Do I need planning permission to change my roof tiles?

Not usually, as long as the new materials don't project beyond the existing roof plane. In conservation areas, you should match the existing materials.

Can I add rooflights without planning permission?

Generally yes, under Class C, as long as they don't project more than 150mm beyond the roof plane.

How much does a roof alteration cost?

Roof alteration costs in London typically range between £5,000 and £15,000, with rooflights at the cheaper end and a full re-roof with new materials at the higher end.

Do I need Building Regulations for a roof alteration?

Depending on the work, you may need Building Regulations approval for structural changes, insulation, or fire safety requirements.

Project guideGPDO Class C

Roof alteration in Brent: Planning Permission Guide

What you need to know about roof alterations in Brent — re-roofing, rooflights, and changing materials.

100%

approved in Brent

£548

application fee

8 wks

typical decision

≤0.15m

rooflight proud

Based on 12 decided applications in Brent over 36 months (12 granted, 0 refused). Limited data — treat as indicative.

Brent has conservation areas around Wembley Park, Sudbury Court, Kensal Green, and Queen's Park. Article 4 Directions restrict specific rights in some conservation areas. Listed buildings cluster around Wembley and around historic Kensal Green Cemetery. The borough has a mix of Victorian terraces in the south and inter-war semis in the north. Kensal Green Cemetery and its surroundings have specific heritage considerations.

Council planning portal Pre-application advice

Local data PD rules Costs Professionals Constraints FAQs

Will yours qualify?

Free 2-minute check for your Brent address.

Run my free check

Personalised odds

5 nearest comparables & refusal reasons for your address.

Get my report — £9 See a sample →

Recent roof alteration decisions in Brent

The 5 most recent decided applications. Addresses redacted to postcode area.

Granted

Proposed installation of 1 no. roof light on the front roof slope, solar panels installed on the roof of the rear outrigger, an air sourc…

NW62026-04-27

Granted

Replacement of roof tiles, installation of solar panels to rear elevation to both pitched and flat roof and installation of wall mounted …

NW62026-04-23

Granted

Proposed installation of photovoltaic panels to rear roof for the use of ground floor flat

NW62026-02-02

Granted

Proposed installation of solar panels to rear outrigger roof for the use of first-floor flat

NW62026-01-12

Granted

Photovoltaic panels to garden facing roof

NW22025-10-01

These are borough-wide. See the 5 nearest to your address.

Get my report — £9

Permitted Development Rules

Class CPart 1

Any other alteration to the roof of a dwellinghouse

GPDO 2015, Schedule 2, Part 1, Class C

Roof alterations (other than dormers and loft conversions) are covered by Part 1, Class C of the GPDO. The key rule is that the alteration must not project beyond the existing roof plane.

Key dimension limits

Must not project beyond existing roof planeMaterials must match existing

These are the maximum GPDO limits for a detached house with no constraints. Your actual limits depend on your property type, location, and any planning restrictions.

Enter your postcode to see the personalised limits for your roof alteration.

Check my limits

Typical Costs in London

Roof alteration costs vary depending on the scope — adding rooflights is much cheaper than a full roof replacement.

Roof alterationLondon

Cost per m²

£800–£2,000

construction rate

Typical total

£5,000–£15,000

Typically includes

MaterialsLabourScaffolding

Typically excludes

Planning application feeBuilding regs fee

Covers re-roofing, changing roof materials, adding rooflights. Full roof replacement is at the higher end.

Get a personalised cost estimate based on your actual roof alteration dimensions.

Get my estimate

Which Professionals Do You Need?

Most roof alterations don't need an architect, but a roofing contractor or draughtsperson can prepare any required drawings.

A draughtsperson or architectural technician can prepare any drawings needed. A full architect may not be necessary.

Architect / designerOptional

Roof alterations may need drawings for Building Regulations, but a draughtsperson or roofing contractor can often provide these.

Typical fee: £500–£2,000 (Basic drawings if needed)

Structural engineerNot needed

Party wall surveyorNot needed

Planning consultantNot needed

This guidance is based on a typical semi-detached house with no special constraints. Listed buildings, conservation areas, and attached properties may require additional professional input.

Find out exactly which professionals you need for your roof alteration.

Get personalised guidance

Conservation Areas & Listed Buildings

In conservation areas, roof alterations that change the appearance of the roof may be more tightly controlled. Materials should match the existing roof.

Conservation areas

Properties in conservation areas often have reduced permitted development rights. Some project types (like side extensions) lose PD rights entirely. An Article 4 Direction can remove additional PD rights.

Listed buildings

Listed buildings (Grade I, II*, or II) have no permitted development rights at all. Any external alteration requires Listed Building Consent in addition to any planning permission. An architect experienced in heritage work is essential.

Check if your property is in a conservation area or has other planning constraints.

Check my property

Frequently Asked Questions

Just want a quick yes/no for your roof alteration?

Run our free 2-minute check to see whether your project likely qualifies as permitted development in Brent. For personalised approval odds and nearby comparables, get the £9 report.

Free 2-min check

Related guides

Loft conversion

GPDO Class B

Dormer

GPDO Class B

Solar panels

All guides