There are many things to consider during the installation of a VELUX window in the UK, but in most cases planning permission is unnecessary. They may be subject to building regulations (or build regs), planning permission and other rules in certain cases.
A VELUX roof window is a common sight, which shows that most local councils are amenable to their installation. They provide excellent ventilation and natural light to a loft conversion and many other pitched or flat roof spaces, as well as an aesthetic appeal
Practical reasons for local councils to approve of VELUX windows include the following:
- Energy-efficiency, making homes more efficient means that less strain is put on local energy infrastructure.
- Air quality, the ventilation of VELUX windows makes them great for air-quality – a particularly important feature for lofts.
Many locations in the UK have restrictions on the types of windows you can install. If you live in conservation areas such as national parks or places of historic architectural interest, there may be some very unique local restrictions. You should check with your local planning authority for details on any rules that are specific to your area.
As housing stock dwindles, people are finding that valuable living, storage or other types of space are gaining considerable value to homeowners. As a result, loft conversions with VELUX windows are a popular home improvement. In most cases, there is every reason to believe you can install a VELUX window without too much trouble, whether or not planning permission is necessary.
As leading providers of a range of windows and home improvements across the south coast of the UK, we come across many planning or build regs concerns – so we can help to explain a little more. To start a project you can get in touch with us for a free quote.
What Are The Rules for Installing A VELUX Window in the UK?
The good news is that you will generally not require planning permission to install a VELUX window in a loft conversion. If you are installing new skylights or roof lights into an existing roof structure on a lower floor there is probably no need for planning permission either. You can install replacement VELUX windows without having to worry at all.
There are lots of things that you have to keep in mind rules-wise though. For example, the following criteria must be met:
- Protrusion: The limit is 150 millimetres above the roof plane. Most VELUX windows are selected because of their thin frames, which use minimal materials. As a result, there are a lot of VELUX windows that will easily fit within the limit and therefore not require planning permission.
- Height: The roof modification should not rise any higher than the highest point of the existing roof plane. This should be fairly simple with a VELUX window, as it normally has a pitched design and cannot exceed its height whether it opens outward from the top or the bottom.
- Front-facing: Side facing windows have issues for privacy, so the requirement is for side-facing windows to have an obscure-glazed pane. Frosted glass is a good option for this, as it allows for a high level of privacy while maintaining excellent levels of natural light. In either case, it is quite simple to install.
In terms of build regs and planning, roof modifications fall under a class of home improvement people call a permitted development. As a result, for the most part, you will be okay with changes to your roof and easily stay within permitted development rules – whether you are installing a VELUX window or another window.
In conclusion, if you want to install a VELUX window in a new or existing loft conversion it is usually possible so long as you fit within the above planning guidelines. The same rules apply for pitched roofs on lower floors. For more information, you can check the UK government’s Planning Portal website.
Do I Need a VELUX Window?
If you live in a conservation area and cannot install a VELUX window without planning permission you still may be able to do so. However, while there are several appealing advantages to VELUX designs that can make getting planning permission worthwhile they also have some drawbacks.
This list of disadvantages of a VELUX window might cause you to make a different decision or make the frustrations of a convoluted installation a bit easier to handle:
- Noise: The slant of the roof where most VELUX windows are installed can increase the noise from raindrops, which can be quite loud in heavy rain. Roofs bear the brunt of the weather, so if you are sleeping in a loft conversion with a VELUX window it might make the space less livable.
- Safety: A large VELUX balcony window can increase the standing room in a loft conversion and provide some outdoor space, but they require railings to make the balcony system safe. As loft conversions are commonly used as playrooms or children’s bedrooms safety may be an issue in this case.
While these problems are easily mitigated, they may help remove some of the annoyance should you discover that you need planning permission for a VELUX window in your building.
In this case, there are many double-glazed alternatives available with plenty of tasteful designs suitable for conservation areas.
Do You Need Planning Permission for a VELUX Window? Probably Not
The majority of people will not require planning permission for a VELUX roof window or any other permitted development in their roof space. To be certain of this it is advisable to contact your local planning authority.
A reliable supplier and installer of VELUX windows, and any other windows, will be able to advise you on whether you risk hitting any planning snags. As a provider of home improvements across the south coast of the UK, we do this regularly.
If you have a project in the south coast area of the UK you can get in touch.
