Do I require Planning Permission to make flat roof into roof terrace?
Introduction
Do I require Planning Permission to make flat roof into roof Terrance? Making a roof terrace is a great way to enhance the living space of your house while also adding value to your property. However, before starting any construction work, it is crucial to know whether you need to obtain planning permission or not. In this blog post, we will discuss whether planning permission is necessary to make a flat roof into a roof terrace.
Permitted Development Rights
If you want to make a flat roof into a roof terrace, you may be able to do so without planning permission. This is because of permitted development rights that allow you to carry out certain types of work without planning permission. Under these rights, you can add a roof terrace as long as it meets certain criteria. The terrace must not be more than 30cm high, and it must not exceed 50% of the roof space. Besides, the terrace must be set back at least 20cm from the edge of the roof.
It's important to note that permitted development rights may vary depending on your local planning authority and the type of property you own. Therefore, before starting any construction work on your flat roof, it's always advisable to consult your local planning authority to ensure you comply with any regulations in your area.
Planning Permission
If your proposed roof terrace does not meet the criteria for permitted development rights, you will need to apply for planning permission. You will need to submit an application to your local planning authority, along with detailed plans and designs of the proposed terrace. Your application will be assessed based on various factors such as the impact on the local environment, the effect on neighboring properties, and the appearance of the terrace.
The planning permission process can be time-consuming and may require you to get the help of a professional architect or planning consultant to prepare your application. However, obtaining planning permission is crucial to avoid any legal issues that may arise due to non-compliance with local regulations.
Building Regulations
Even if you do not require planning permission, you may still need to comply with building regulations. Building regulations are designed to ensure that any construction work carried out is safe and meets certain standards. Your roof terrace design will need to comply with regulations regarding the structure of the terrace, access to and from the terrace, and safety features such as railings and barriers.
It's important to note that building regulations may vary depending on the type of property you own and the location of the property. Therefore, before starting any construction work, it's crucial to consult your local building control authority to ensure you comply with any regulations in your area.
Conclusion
In conclusion, whether you need planning permission to make a flat roof into a roof terrace depends on the size and design of the proposed terrace. If your terrace meets the criteria for permitted development rights, you can proceed without planning permission. However, if it does not meet the criteria, you will need to apply for planning permission. Regardless of whether you need planning permission or not, you will need to comply with building regulations to ensure that your terrace is safe and meets the required standards.
It's crucial to consult with your local planning authority and building control authority before starting any construction work on your flat roof. This will ensure that you comply with any regulations in your area, avoid any legal issues, and ensure that your roof terrace is safe and meets the required standards.
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