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L'înformâtion et les sèrvices publyis pouor I'Île dé Jèrri

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Loft conversions and windows in the roof (permissions)

Planning permission

You will not need planning permission to convert your loft providing that:

  • no gable windows are created
  • the converted space will be used as part of the main dwelling house / flat
  • your property is not registered as a listed building or potential listed building
  • any dormer windows are:  
    • at least 1 metre from any boundary
    • at least 1 metre above the lower edge of the roof plane 
    • at least 1 metre below the ridge of the roof plane
    • no more than 1.2 metres in width (measured externally)
    • only a maximum of two windows are allowed on any roof plane at least 1 metre apart measured horizontally
    • any glazed face must be at least 10 metres from the boundary of any other facing property (measured horizontally) and  
  • any skylights:  
    • are not on a principal elevation if the building / site lies within a conservation area (CA)
    • are at least 1.7 metres above the finished floor level, measured to the lowest part of the frame, only if the skylight is installed 10 metres or less from a boundary
    • must not project more than 10cm above any roof plane   
  • and:  
    • no more than 50% of the area of a roof plane may be taken up by dormers or skylights
       

Note: You will need planning permission if your 'permitted development' rights have been removed by a condition on a previous Planning Permit in the last 30 years or so.

Is my building or place listed?

Note: Bats may have nests in the roof. Bats are a protected species.

Bats, buildings and the law (Environment and greener living section)

Building permission

Converting your roof space is a major structural alteration and you will need to apply for building permission if you are converting the roof space to an extra room, including:

  • a bedroom
  • a bathroom or shower room
  • a playroom
  • a study or office
  • a floored storage area accessed by a permanent stair

If you are altering the roof space by laying loose floor boards to store lightweight items, such as suitcases, general household items, and are not altering the roof timbers in any way, you will not have to apply to carry out those alterations provided access to the area is only by a ladder.

It is important to inform the department and make a building bye-law application where the proposed use is for anything other than light storage.

Ceiling joists are generally not intended to act as a floor and are not designed to support heavy loads.

Making an application - building​

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