Replacing Dorma Windows with Velux types - planning permission or building warrents needed?

malcolmK

A question that others may be able to help with.

I have a so called one and a half story house with dormer windows installed in two of the upstairs bedrooms . I was wondering if  removed these and replacing them with velux windows and so restore the normal pitch of the roof would I need any planning or building warrants required.

I little vague I know but it would be good to get anyone's thoughts/experiences  just so I know a little more before approaching the council’s planning and building department.

I believe the rules vary across this UK, this will be in Scotland.

Section62

malcolmK said:

A question that others may be able to help with.

I have a so called one and a half story house with dormer windows installed in two of the upstairs bedrooms . I was wondering if  removed these and replacing them with velux windows and so restore the normal pitch of the roof would I need any planning or building warrants required.

I little vague I know but it would be good to get anyone's thoughts/experiences  just so I know a little more before approaching the council’s planning and building department.

I believe the rules vary across this UK, this will be in Scotland.

I don't know what the rules are in Scotland, but one of the things you will need to look into is whether your preferred Velux windows provide the same level of emergency (fire) egress as the existing windows.  'Standard' Velux windows are usually hinged in the centre which can impede egress, and there will probably be a maximum distance from the window to the eaves as scrambling down a sloping roof is harder than stepping out of a vertical window.

It is slightly unusual to want to go Dormer to Velux, so make sure you have every 'i' dotted and 't' crossed as people advising you may not be aware of the technicalities of converting in that direction.

Also, before spending too much on advice/planning etc you may want to check the prices of Velux windows currently - it won't be a cheap project, particularly if you need special designs for egress.

Eldi_Dos

As you are still at the planning stage have a look at cabrio balcony style, they may suit what you are trying to achieve.

Was the house built with dormers or are they a later addition? either way I agree it would be good policy to get an opinion from a qualified person about the pro's and con's of the work.

BUFF

Honestly, just phone your local council planning office & have a quick chat.