Planning permission for velux window...

[Sarah_W]

I've got a top floor flat in the eaves and would like to put a Velux window in the kitchen at teh back. It's in a conservation area but being second floor and at the back isnt' very visible. I've spoken to the planning dept without giving my address an they advise that I need planning permission, however the neighbour fitted two such windows last year without planning and a couple of estate agents I've spoken to advise that in reality, it doesn't really matter as long as nobody complains.

Has anyone installed a Velux type window into a flat in a conservation area and got any advice?

Thanks :-)
Sarah

[Poledriver]

I fitted Velux windows in a previous house instead of dormers purely because no planning permission was required.
However, it's wise to check as this was a few years back and different councils may have different rulings!

[GreenDog]

You might regret not getting permission when you come to sell. I've had to apply for restrospective permission before and nearly lost the sale because of it.

[dickbastardly]

You dont need pp to fit velux windows, the problem is you are in a conservation area! i am sure you need pp because of that. As said the problem comes when you come to sell!!
Andy

[Sarah_W]

Thanks folks. THe person I spoke to in planning believed permission was required, however, I'm unsure... the current permitted development guidelines says that if it was a normal house I'd be okay so long as it didn't project by more than 15cm from teh current roofline. However, it's a flat, so unsure if these guidelines apply plus it's in a conservation area
http://www.croydon.gov.uk/contents/departments/pla...

[dickbastardly]

I was told last week that we could convert the loft with dormer windows (only on the back) on permitted development!!
but for you it's the conservation area thats the sticking point!
http://www.planningportal.gov.uk/england/genpub/en...
According to this you can, but no mention of conservation area!!
Andy

[northwest monkey]

Sarah_W said:

Thanks folks. THe person I spoke to in planning believed permission was required, however, I'm unsure...

So just to clarify this:-

You've spoken to planning & they've advised you that you will need PP, yet because of something you've read on the internet you've decided you don't.

Good luck.

Also, although I doubt very much this will bother you in the slightest, do you have the freeholders permission to install Velux windows?

I'm not being nasty, but nobody on here can tell you if you need PP as every area is different - that's the job of your council's planning dept.

[herbialfa]

If in a conservation area you will need PP

Simples!

[Sam_68]

herbialfa said:

If in a conservation area you will need PP

Simples!

If it's on a flat, you need Planning Permission, even if it's not in a conservation area - Permitted Development doesn't apply to flats.

Even more simples!

Also... since you are likely to effectively 'own' up to the plaster/plasterboard in a typical leasehold flat, you will need the freeholder/management company's permission to punch a hole through the roof structure to install a Velux, and they will almost certainly insist on you applying for the correct approvals.

[Sarah_W]

I've written to the freeholder for various permissions including a new en suite and he's agreed to ll as long as I use professional builders

Sounds like I do need planning after all or to run the gauntlet... The guy next door has done his and the only people who can see the window would be the basement flat ehre and next door. Next door didn't care aboutu my neighbours and the people in the basement here are selling up and moving in 6 weeks, so this may be the perfect opportunity to fit a window. In the unlikely event I got caught, I presume I coud apply for retrospective permission and the planning office said there should be no issue in getting permission.

[Sam_68]

Sarah_W said:

In the unlikely event I got caught, I presume I coud apply for retrospective permission and the planning office said there should be no issue in getting permission.

Yes, this is always an option.

And they're obliged to assess the application as though the work hasn't yet been done - they're not allowed to 'try to teach you a lesson' by refusing permission just because you didn't seek it when you should, even if the work is otherwise acceptable.

[BRGV8S]

Hi, if your prepared to submit a retrospective PA if you get caught why not just put the application in now and save hassle later on.

I had a client who put U-PCV windows / doors in a listed building, dd'nt show up untill he want to sell. Cost him application, removal of u-pvc units replace with matching timber ones, six month delay lost sale.

Why risk it

[northwest monkey]

Planning permission often has absolutely nothing to do with objections.

One of my neighbours wanted to build a huge 7-bed thing - loads of objections but PP approved. Another one wanted to build 2 bungalows - no objections but PP was refused. They really are a law unto themselves.

[a boardman]

some planners will not allow normal velux windows and would prefer a conservation style roof light, these tend not to protude from the roof as much have a central mullion and are dark in colour. velux do them check there website.

[mk1fan]

Sarah_W said:

In the unlikely event I got caught, I presume I coud apply for retrospective permission and the planning office said there should be no issue in getting permission.

You still doing the same development?

I'd be wary of applying for retrospective permission. What ever the Planning Dept tell you over the phone it doesn't matter (and Croydon isn't exactly brilliant). It cannot be relied upon in any form. So you could end up with an enforcement notice to remove it.

It doesn't sound too contensious so consent may well be forth coming but it is a risk. And if you intend to sell the flat, not having consent could prove an obstacle to a sale.

[pkitchen]

Sarah_W said:

I've written to the freeholder for various permissions including a new en suite and he's agreed to ll as long as I use professional builders

Sounds like I do need planning after all or to run the gauntlet... The guy next door has done his and the only people who can see the window would be the basement flat ehre and next door. Next door didn't care aboutu my neighbours and the people in the basement here are selling up and moving in 6 weeks, so this may be the perfect opportunity to fit a window. In the unlikely event I got caught, I presume I coud apply for retrospective permission and the planning office said there should be no issue in getting permission.

Why not get permission? What is so wrong with doing it properly?

[s4avant]

If your building is "Listed" you may also have to apply for Listed Building Consent.
This is an advantage however, in that this consent allows you to zero rate any approved alteration for VAT purposes.
You might also be better considering one of the cast iron "Conservation" rooflights that are on the market.
They are more expensive but much better than the "Velux" units which tend to look a bit clumsy.