Velux Planning Permission

The velux to the rear is one of those non-sensical planning ‘rules’ that has become accepted over the years. In fact there is no exemption that specifically covers rooflights, unlike for example solar panels. Roof lights fall under a general exemption that allows changes to the exterior of a dwelling provided the changes are consistent with the character of the dwelling and neighbouring dwellings. That’s quite subjective, so to avoid risk, they are generally considered acceptable to the rear. There are a few houses in my own estate that put a roof light to the front without seeking permission. At worst they might have to seek retention if selling.

Quote = I don’t think “planning is required” is particularly helpful without context

What context would that be?

As I said, the poster was asking about the reasoning behind roof lights being considered exempt at rear but not at front. I gave context. Like many aspects of planning, it’s not clear-cut. In some situations ABP has declared roof lights at the front to be exempt. Similarly a rear rooflight could be very visible to the public domain and be considered not exempt. Context

Thanks. But the OP was talking about a Velux on the front of the roof. Aesthetics would be the reason alright

A couple of old ones I had noted on file here ....

https://archive.pleanala.ie/en-ie/search/by-number?number=RL2451&pageSize=10

https://archive.pleanala.ie/en-ie/search/by-number?number=RL2284&pageSize=10

and one on attic conversion .... https://mail.google.com/mail/u/2/#inbox/FMfcgzGlkjjNRwQmvGskFFwQbnfrVBkC?projector=1&messagePartId=0.4

Hi Muffler,

Any chance you could repost, or post in another form, the 3rd link on attic conversion - its not opening. Thanks

Gumbo said €1,500 for a small independent person to do it. You don't have to be in private practice with insurance for something like this. Anyone can submit a planning permission, it's just best to have someone who has experience or knowledge of planning, drawings, information required etc.

Absolutely 100% agree. The works should be specified, inspected and certified by a competent, experienced and insured professional. But that's not required for planning permission. Unless the proposed velux windows are a complex or very large size, then the planning for standard velux windows could be done by anyone and a registered professional could specify the works required after planning has been granted.

Techdiver

You could make an application for a Section 5 Declaration of Exemption for your proposed Velux

I have used this successfully on a number of occasions for Velux Rooflights.

I attach an Application Form for this for the Cork County Council as an example.

you can visit your local Authority Planning Dept, or Google it and download the form.

It is basically an application, requesting the Local Planning Dept to confirm that your proposed Velux - is, or is not, - an Exempt Development.

You could phone the Planning Dept. Get the name and email of the Local Executive Planner and email them in relation to the proposed Velux. They should be able to confirm if it is appropriate for you to submit a Section 5 Planning Application.

Muffler

I fully understand planning permission. Section 5 Application is for Exempt Development.

The Planner may tell you that you are waisting your time making a Section 5 Application, because a Velux to the front of the Roof requires Planning Permission.

As planning applications go it is very basic.

Hi I can't believe this post is here as we are currently doing a planning permission for roof windows that did not have planning permission and so are seeking retention. we are doing it ourselves as got quotes of upwards 3,500 plus vat. We live in Dublin. You have to submit drawings for the house, site layout, drawings for the velux, if houses around, measurements to the adjoining properties etc, fairly detailed all by six copies etc. In the council they have a place you can go to get validation before you send it in. I followed the guidelines you can print off and also what my original architect did when he sent in planning for our house. Im nearly there with it. just have to write a letter and download the osi, get it printed. The only thing which I'm a little confused by are the scales. On my drawings they are 1:100 but I see the council say not less then 1:1000 and 1:2500. I will be printing them on A3.

Brokers.

I'm glad that you have pointed this out. A planning application for an existing Velux is very detailed and time consuming.

How long is your roof with the Velux completed

Its no more detailed or time consuming than any other job. Im surprised you think it is.

Side. We have main road in estate to the side of extension so no neighbours. I take it thats the same as front. Ok thanks. Engineer signed off on build without any issues.

This might be useful to someone in the future and while its a wee bit dated it is still relevant - a 2008 Section 5 referral to ABP re 5 velux windows on a rear extension was determined to be exempted development

It was an after thought when we started to build 7 years ago.

Thank. you so much. Trying to do it and working also. Easy money though for a planning consultant or architect.