Class C – add a Velux window & other roof alterations

 

Do you need permission to install a Velux window in your roof?

You do not normally need to apply for planning permission to re-roof your house or to insert Velux windows, roof lights or skylights as the permitted development rules allow for other alterations to roofs subject to the following limits and conditions.

• Any alteration to project no more than 150 millimetres from the existing roof plane.
• No alteration to be higher than the highest part of the roof.
• Side facing windows to be obscure-glazed; any opening to be 1.7m above the floor.

There are no restrictions on placing Velux windows, roof lights or skylights on elevations facing the street, however permission might also have been removed as a result of an Article 4 or a condition on a previous planning application. These permissions do not apply to flats or maisonettes. Nor do they apply to houses that have been converted from agricultural buildings, storage, light industrial, shops or casinos. They do however apply to houses (not flats) converted from offices under Class O.

Of course, Velux is a brand name and other manufacturers exists for such windows in roofs. Whether you install a Velux or another brand, just follow the rules and benefit from the extra light.

You can put a Velux window into a property within a Conservation area, AONB or even a listed building – although listed building consent would be required and there is no guarantee it would be acceptable.

Please note that in a conservation area, an Article 4 might exist to restrict windows under Class C, however even if this does exist it might only affect the front elevation. Always check to see what the Article 4 prevents as it might be as bad as you first thought.

 

Velux Cabrio Balcony windows

 

Velux Cabrio balcony roof lights often come up in conversation. The windows have two opening lights one above the other. The units are fitted close to the attic floor. When opened the upper window becomes horizontal and the lower window vertical. Side rails then open out. As a result a temporary balcony is created when opened. However the base of the balcony does not protrude more than 150mm.

This is no different to having a top hung velux window and standing in the loft looking out – the only difference being the rails that protrude for safety.

In August 2015, inspector John Whalley made the decision that such installation at 36 St James’s Ave, Middlesex complied with Class C under ref APP/L5810/X/15/3002668. You can read that decision in full here.  Therefore Velux Cabrio Balconies are permitted development under Class C according this judgment.

For the avoidance of doubt, the Cabrio Roof Terrace will always require planning permission.

 

Dormers

If you are looking to install a dorner rather than a Velux window, then refer to Class B of Part 1. Unlike a Velux a dormer can’t go on the front elevation without full planning.

Also see Permitted development rights for householders – Technical Guidance

 

 

Legislation

 

 

Permitted development

C. Any other alteration to the roof of a dwellinghouse.

Development not permitted

C.1 Development is not permitted by Class C if—

(a) permission to use the dwellinghouse as a dwellinghouse has been granted only by virtue of Class G, M, MA, N, P, PA or Q of Part 3 of this Schedule (changes of use);

(b) the alteration would protrude more than 0.15 metres beyond the plane of the slope of the original roof when measured from the perpendicular with the external surface of the original roof;

(c) it would result in the highest part of the alteration being higher than the highest part of the original roof;

(d) it would consist of or include—
(i) the installation, alteration or replacement of a chimney, flue or soil and vent pipe, or
(ii) the installation, alteration or replacement of solar photovoltaics or solar thermal equipment; or

(e) the dwellinghouse is built under Part 20 of this Schedule (construction of new dwellinghouses).

Conditions

C.2 Development is permitted by Class C subject to the condition that any window located on a roof slope forming a side elevation of the dwellinghouse must be—

(a) obscure-glazed; and
(b) non-opening unless the parts of the window which can be opened are more than 1.7 metres above

the floor of the room in which the window is installed.

 

 

 

 

Page updated: 12th February 2024