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 Havering: Planning Permission Guide

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

76%

approved in Havering

£548

application fee

8 wks

typical decision

≤0.15m

rooflight proud

Based on 25 decided applications in Havering over 24 months (19 granted, 6 refused).

Havering has substantial Green Belt across the east and north of the borough, covering Upminster, Rainham, and the Ingrebourne Valley. Conservation areas include Upminster Village, Cranham, and Rainham Village. Listed buildings cluster around Rainham Hall and Upminster windmill. Flood zones apply along the Thames and Ingrebourne. Much of the borough is inter-war semi-detached housing with reasonable PD flexibility on unconstrained plots away from the Green Belt fringe.

Council planning portal Pre-application advice

Local data PD rules Costs Professionals Constraints FAQs

Will yours qualify?

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Recent roof alteration decisions in Havering

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

Granted

Boundary treatments, cycle rack and buggy stores to front, escape stair to rear following removal of existing, cycle store and refuse sto…

RM142026-07-09

Granted

Existing 100 year old roof tiles to be removed and replaced with new tiles to match the existing

RM22026-07-08

Granted

Construction of single storey, 3 bedroom detached dwelling with solar panels, private rear garden, off street parking, new crossover and …

RM142026-06-30

Granted

Installation of 9 photovoltaic solar panels on the south-west facing roof slope of the existing single-storey part of the dwelling

RM22026-06-23

Granted

Single storey front bay extension, garage conversion, alterations to rear fenestrations, front roof window.

RM142026-06-22

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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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

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Related guides

Loft conversion

GPDO Class B

Dormer

GPDO Class B

Solar panels

All guides