Can You Replace Your Conservatory Roof With A Solid Roof Without Planning Permission?

We’ve seen a rise in the amount of customers looking to replace their existing conservatory roof with a solid one.

Replacing your conservatory roof with a solid one restores thermal efficiency, can reduce energy bills and allows you to make the most of your extension all year round.

However, before installing your new solid roof you must be vigilant and check whether planning permission needs to be applied for first.

When installing a solid roof, there are a few things you will need to consider:

• Building Regulatory Approval must be obtained ahead of replacing an existing translucent conservatory roof for a solid roof
• Planning permission may also be required as exchanging a glass roof for a solid insulated roof results in a “change of use” due to the classification of the extension changing from temporary to permanent
• If your current conservatory has a translucent roof and was constructed with planning approval, you will need to make a new planning application because of the “change of use” and a full Building Regulations application
• The “change of use” could lead to your local Building Control Officer ordering you to install suitable ventilation (roof vents / trickle vents) and make other necessary amendments
• Permitted Development Rights may have been withdrawn since the conservatory was originally constructed, in which case planning permission will need to be acquired

The Local Authorities Building Control also gives the following direction in relation to solid roof installations – “your local authority building control team is likely to ensure that the roof and supporting structure fully complies with the Building Regulations.”

BUT don’t put your solid roof plans on hold!

We are sure that anyone reading this who is considering installing a solid roof may now be having second thoughts, but please don’t!

Here at Hazlemere we won’t leave you to fend for yourself in these circumstances, we will deal with any of the above requirements on your behalf to make replacing your existing conservatory roof for a solid roof as stress-free as possible.

Find out everything you need to know about solid roofs and the types of solid roofs we offer here.