Flat Roof Versus Pitched Roof

Le_Kirk

My son has applied for planning permission to extend the first floor of his detached house making use of a previous part extension that added a bathroom and crawl space. The architect has drawn up plans and they have been submitted to local planning authority (Crawley, West Sussex). Neighbours have received letters, all are in agreement with the plans and similar extensions have been done to other houses in the street.

Question concerns the roofing over what will be a dormer window. The architect has shown a pitched roof on the plans stating (verbally) that he has done this before in the area and planning permission has been granted but now "he has heard" that the local planning authority "don't like this type of roof and prefer the flat roofs".

Permission has not been granted or denied yet but it is worrying that planning authorities are advocating a flat roof in an area where there are a multitude of pitched roofs and may be storing up the issue of leaks on flat roofs. Apparently flat means flat and are not even allowed the usual slight gradient. What are your thoughts and experiences please?

milasavesmoney

Flat roofs eventually leak. My home has both types and only the flat roof has been a problem. We have lived in this house for over 30 yrs and had it reroofed several time. In between the flat roofs will begin giving problems.

Doozergirl

There are much better options for flat roofing now.

But it's ultimately up to the planners and theyball have their own whims that can vary across an office, let alone the nation.

Of course you can have a rainwater slant on a flat roof though. No one sees that.

Grenage

EDPM makes for a good flat roof covering, and should last a very long time. I'd always prefer a pitched roof when possible.

It's really just down to what you're allowed.

Le_Kirk

Doozergirl wrote: »

There are much better options for flat roofing now.

But it's ultimately up to the planners and they'll have their own whims that can vary across an office, let alone the nation.

Of course you can have a rainwater slant on a flat roof though. No one sees that.

That's one of my pet hates, that rules/regulations/laws can be interpreted and not applied literally.