Can I Add an Extension with Lantern Roof to My Home Without Planning Permission?

This is something that many homeowners looking to renovate ask. In short, the answer here is yes, however there are certain rules that you must abide by to avoid the need for planning permission.

As always, we would recommend consulting a professional before getting started on your extension with lantern roof.

What Is A Roof Lantern?

A roof lantern can truly transform any space. It’s perfectly balanced design can completely alter the look and feel of your property, bringing natural light into your home and adding a sense of additional space to your interiors, without too much upheaval. Elegant, timeless and ornate, they make an exceptional feature on a flat-roofed area, such as a single-storey extension.

What Size Extension Can I Add?

If you’re looking to build an extension, permitted development rights allow you to extend a house without needing to apply for planning permission. It’s important to note that specific limitations and conditions must be met. If you want to exceed these, then it is likely that an application for householder planning permission will be required.

You can extend up to eight metres for detached homes or six for all other types of homes. For extensions that are over four metres, you will need to give notification to your neighbours. Here’s a further breakdown of the sizing guidelines under the most recent conditions:

• No more than half of the land around the house can be covered by other buildings
• No extension can be forward or side elevated in front of a highway
• No extension can be higher than the highest part of your roof
• Single storey extensions cannot extend beyond the rear wall of the original building by more than 8 metres.
• Max height of a single-storey extension is four metres
• Extensions more than one storey cannot be extended beyond the rear wall by more than 3 metres of the house
• Two storey extensions cannot be closer than seven metres to the house’s rear boundary
• You cannot have balconies, verandas or a raised platform

Can I Add a Roof Lantern to a Pre-existing Extension?

Yes, you can. For minor maintenance works, or improvements such as painting your house or inserting a roof lantern, you do not need planning permission. This is not the case if your building is listed; planning permission is always required for these. Additionally, if you live in a conservation area or a location of outstanding natural beauty, you are required to obtain planning permission if you wish to change the appearance of your home.

How Big Can My Extension with Lantern Roof Be?

If you can proceed under permitted development rights, then the maximum height of an extension with lantern roof should not be more than 4 metres from ground level, as this is the maximum permitted height for a pitched roof. So ultimately, you will not need full planning permission to add a roof lantern to either a new or a pre-existing flat roof. At Aliwood, we offer small, medium and large sizes of our square, rectangular and octagonal roof lanterns.

It is worth bearing in mind that these concessions will only apply to houses, and not flats, maisonettes, converted houses or houses created through the permitted development rights to change use.

How Do I Get Planning Permission?

We recommend finding out if your project will need planning permission from the get-go. Contact your local planning authority (LPA) through your local council. Keep in mind that if your extension with lantern roof does need planning permission and you go ahead without it, you can be served an enforcement notice, ordering you to undo all the changes made. So, it’s definitely worth doing your research and making the necessary calls right at the start.

Although you can apply for planning permission through your local council, there are other ways in which you can find out the relevant information. An independent planning consultant can tell you about local planning restrictions, taking into consideration your preferences to ensure your project is tailored correctly. Furthermore, if you are considering using an architect, they will be able to design then submit your plans and obtain planning permission in your area. Just double check that they can offer this before agreeing to use their services.

Contact Us

If you’re looking to renovate your home, an extension with lantern roof is the perfect fixture, to give your home the wow factor. If you’d like some more information on the services we offer, contact us or call us on 01245 967107. We look forward to hearing from you!