Do you need planning permission to install a new roof?

A new roof is a fantastic investment, which unlocks a long list of benefits for a property.

For instance, a roof that is well-insulated and adheres to modern building regulations can reduce the property’s heat loss by as much as 30% during the winter.

Not only does a new roof offer significant energy efficiency benefits – which can lead to significant cost savings over time – but it can also dramatically enhance the aesthetics of a property, and even increase its market value, too.

If you’re considering investing in a new roof, or are in the planning phase for this upcoming project, then planning permission will be one of the most important points you have to consider.

So, in this guide, our roofing experts have shared their guidance for understanding planning permission when it comes to installing a new roof.

Will I need planning permission for my new roof?

In the majority of cases, you won’t need planning permission when you install a new roof on your property.

For most property owners in the UK, repairing your existing roof or replacing it with a new one is not a project that requires you to gain planning permission.

This is because most roofing projects fall under the umbrella of ‘permitted development’. This band contains property projects or upgrades that can be completed without the need to first gain approval (so long as any other relevant legal requirements are met).

In some cases, although rare, planning permission may be required for a roofing project.

The UK planning regulations specify that you may need permission if one of the following criteria apply to your planned roof:

• The roof alteration will mean that the highest point of your current roof is exceeded
• Any part of the roof extension will mean the structure projects more than 150mm further from than the existing plane
• If your property is in a conservation area, Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), or a national park
• If your property is a listed building
• The roof alteration will introduce new features, such as dormer windows (especially if the window will face the street)
• If your roof extensions will be facing a major road
• The roof pitch or shape will be changed significantly

The scale of your roofing project

In some cases, projects with different scales and scopes may incur different planning permission requirements.

However, generally speaking, it is most commonly the nature of the project (e.g. the roof’s features and dimensions) that determine whether planning permission will need to be attained.

For a full roof replacement: 

If you are fully replacing your roof, then planning permission is not commonly required (so long as your new roof has a similar size and layout to the existing roof).

However, you may still need to obtain Building Regulations approval (more on this below).

For minor roof alterations: 

If you are only planning a minor update to your roof (such as replacing the roof tiles, adding a skylight, or installing solar panels), then it is unlikely that you will need to gain planning permission.

So long as none of the criteria listed above apply to your project, then your roof upgrade will generally be permitted without requiring further approval, under the UK’s development rules.

Building regulations 

However, it’s important to note that, even if you’re exempt from planning permission requirements, you may still need to gain Building Regulations approval for your project.

This governing body is designed to make sure that roof upgrades and replacements are safe and of a sufficient quality.

Their requirements include:

• Compliance checks (if more than 25% of the roof covering is being replaced) 
• The roof insulation meets current energy efficiency standards
• Approval is granted for any structural work (e.g. replacing roof timbers) 

By working with a trusted roofing specialist, you can ensure that your roofing project is fully compliant with all regulations, and that the highest quality and performance standards are achieved.

At Stapleford Roofing, our expert team have been trusted by property owners across the country, to deliver roof repair and replacement services of an unparalleled quality. To learn more about any of our specialist roofing services, don’t hesitate to get in touch.