Does A Solid Roof Installation Require Planning Permission?

Solid roofing systems have proved to be a real lifeline for people who own a conservatory but rarely get to use it anymore because of it ceasing to offer enough thermal efficiency.

The application of one of these lightweight tile / slate coverings can solve that, restoring temperature regulation in conservatories and making them feel comfier than they’ve ever been.

However, there is a ‘but’, and that is that a solid roof installation can sometimes require planning permission.

Unless you’re as solid roof savvy as we are at Permaframe, we doubt you know the rules for solid roofs.

This is what you need to be aware of so that you don’t fall into trouble…

• You must get Building Regulatory Approval if you’re planning on exchanging a traditional glass or polycarbonate translucent roof for a solid tiled roof.

• Building Regulatory Approval is more likely to be given to you when you buy a solid roofing system that is LABC (Local Authority Building Control) and LABSS (Local Authority Building Standards Scotland) approved. The UltraRoof 380 is one of a handful of solid roofing solutions to have been endorsed by both authorities (offered by Permaframe) who acknowledge it as being a safe and suitable building product. At the request of the relevant Building Control Officer, you may be instructed to alter your chosen roof to include roof and trickle vents for the purpose of ventilation.

• Did you know that upgrading from a glass roof to a solid roof signifies a “change of use”? The reason why is because it results in a conservatory becoming a permanent, rather than temporary extension. In the event of a “change of use”, planning permission is normally needed.

• Just prior to when your conservatory was first fitted, you may have needed to apply for planning approval. If this is the case, and it has a translucent roof, you will have to apply for planning permission and submit a full building regulations application.

• Was the conservatory built under Permitted Development Rights? Anything that’s classified as a Permitted Development and meets a series of limits and conditions can be constructed without planning permission. Those Permitted Development Rights are withdrawn when you install a solid roof, which will mean that you must put in a planning application.

If you want a definitive answer as to whether the solid roof, you’re contemplating having installed needs planning permission, we suggest that you speak to your local authority building control team.

Go to the LABC website to get contact details for the relevant team.

Permaframe can also field any questions you have about solid roofs as we’re a leading solid roof supplier.