Planning Permission for Roof Works in Kent
In the past as a home owner or contractor re-roofing work was exempt from Building Regulations.
This was providing like-for-like replacement tiles or slates were used.
In circumstances where no additional structural work would be carried out and the new covering did not compromise the thermal qualities of the roof the project needed no council approval.
An application was only needed if the new tiles were lighter or heavier and for a loft conversion that required structural calculations and a building officer to visit.
New nationwide regulations have come into force as of 1st October 2010 which now means that anyone completing re-roofing work, including replacement of flat roofs, has to apply for Building Regulations approval.
The Building Notice procedure is essential but still allows for the work to be carried out without the need to submit full plans, this means the council must be informed before hand and visit site to approve the choice of roof covering and instruct on insulations that should be introduced to meet new essential energy efficiency standards for homes.
Why Have Things Changed?
The reasons for these changes are threefold, first and foremost as part of the growing global concern regarding CO2 emissions. The government wants to conserve the amount of fuel and power used in order to reduce emissions. This procedure will help to ensure that when properties are re-roofed insulation is adequate.
The correct amount of insulation will lower the amount of power required to keep homes warm and hold the heat for much longer. Secondly the local council will charge for the building notice so a form of revenue will inevitability be created with this new scheme. Lastly this will widen control over roofing work and the quality of materials and installation techniques uesd.
What Must Be Concidered?
With this in mind it is likely on the majority of re-roofing projects that insulation will need to be upgraded and as a result of this, so it is advisable to have insulation upgrades to be priced for accordingly for budgeting your project. It may also be necessary to incorporate increased cross-ventilation measures to avoid condensation issues arising as a consequence of the upgrade.
A Building Control Officer will come along to check work, instructing what materials and methods which must be adhered to. Once they feel the job meets their requirement and is satisfactory work can be signed off. Failure to do so could lead to problems when trying to sell your property and a fine for the contractor.
What if I Have already started work?
If you have already carried out work or are in the process of under growing roofing work to your property you will require a regularisation application which means a building control officer to visit, the application costs more money and could mean finished work being altered to pass council requirements. It is strongly advised where possible to obtain a building notice.
How much do the applications cost?
The building notice application should cost around £225 including VAT depending on project cost and a regularisation application should cost around £340
