Loft Conversions, Dormer Windows, Roof Lights, Roof Lanterns and Sun Tunnels

Policy EM1 - Extensions and Alterations Policy

Policy EM5 - Energy Efficiency and Other Roof Alterations

The conversion of a loft requires careful consideration, with the addition of dormer windows, roof lights and sun tunnels having a potential negative impact on the property and street scene. It is the elements that are required during a loft conversion which can have the largest impacts on a Garden City home.

Roof alterations can be acceptable where they are located to minimise the effect on the external appearance of the building. It is important that when viewed from any surrounding public vantage point that the proposals do not have a detrimental impact on the character and appearance of the street scene, wider amenities or values of the area.

The conversion of the internal roof is generally accepted as this does not alter or change overall scale, proportions or design of the original Garden City home.

Dormer windows

The proposal for new dormer windows should generally be expected to be located to the rear of the property and sited so that it is not unduly prominent from public vantage points. If it can be demonstrated within the surrounding context that dormer windows are a common feature within the street scene, it may be deemed acceptable to position dormers to the front of the property.

Dormer Windows

• Design of dormer windows should reflect the style and appearance of the original property including any original dormer windows and matching the material selection, roof profile, style and spacing and fenestration.
• Be located above (in line) with existing fenestration and dormers should become smaller as extended upwards
• Dormers should not dominate the roof of the dwelling and be set in from the flank walls
• Dormer numbers should be limited and considerate of the character, appearance of the street scene, wider amenities or values of the area.
• Applications of replacement or additional dormers should demonstrate and justify that the proposals respond to the existing property and original dormers.

Roof lights and Sun tunnels

Roof lights and sun tunnels can be a feature when converting a loft. The location of such features plays an important role on the character of the property and the wider amenities and values of the area. The design and location of these features should be minimised and they should not be visible from public vantage points.  They should be discreet and placed to the rear of a property.

When submitting an application the following principles will be assessed when reviewing the proposals:

• Roof lights and sun tunnels should not affect the overall composition of the building or roofscape through their sensitive siting to the rear of a property and not unduly visible from a public vantage point. It is recommended that roof lights are low-profile and recessed. The finish colour of the roof light should be in keeping with the original property’s character which can typically be a conservation type with a black finish.
• Sun tunnels should be located to the rear of the property.