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For information about the guidance on this page and how it should be applied, visit Using this SPD.
Where proposals deviate from the guidance here, the Council will need to be satisfied that proposals are high quality and not detrimental to neighbourhood amenity. Pre-application submission is encouraged.
Rear dormer and outrigger roof extension in Leytonstone, by Mike Tuck Studio
7.8 Loft extensions and roof alterations
Roof extensions and alterations can provide additional light and space for a lower cost than a ground-level extension. However, any works to the roof can still be disruptive, and will usually require scaffolding to be installed.
7.8.1
For all roof extensions and alterations, spaces must comply with the Nationally Described Space Standard, as reflected in both the London Plan and Local Plan, in terms of room heights and internal floor areas.
7.8.2
Proposals for roof extensions and alterations should use high quality materials. Proposals should reflect the architectural character of the existing building and neighbours, in terms of form, features and materials.
7.8.3
Where homes have already been extended, consideration will be given to the cumulative impact on character and neighbouring amenity. This will not affect permitted development rights.
Rear roof dormer, set in minimum 0.25m from the eaves and ridge, and 0.5m from the roof sides
Dormers
A dormer is a window set vertically in a structure projecting through a sloping roof.
7.8.4
Dormers are typically not supported in conservation areas in order to preserve local character. This is supported by Policy 53 of the Local Plan, ‘Delivering High Quality Design’, and Policy 72, ‘Conservation Areas’.
7.8.5
Front dormers are typically not supported, except in certain circumstances where they reflect the existing character of the area. This is supported by Policy 53 of the Local Plan, ‘Delivering High Quality Design’.
7.8.6
Rear dormers may be supported outside of conservation areas. Where rear dormers are proposed, they must:
be set in at least 0.5m from the roof sides.
be set in at least 0.25m from the ridge and eaves.
7.8.7
Where planning permission is required, rear dormers in unaltered terraces may be supported where:
proposals are sufficiently set in as per the dimensions above.
proposals can demonstrate that they are of exemplar quality.
7.8.8
Where planning permission is required, rear L-shaped dormers may be supported where:
proposals reflect the existing character of the area.
proposals can demonstrate that they are of exemplar quality.
7.8.9
All proposed dormers should be complementary to the existing roofscape in terms of forms, materials and colours.
7.8.10
Where a property has been extended to the side, a single dormer should not span the full roof width. To help retain balance and regularity of roof forms along the street, the dormer width should be restricted to the width of the original roof, or two smaller dormers added.
7.8.11
Proposals for side dormers on hipped roofs will only be accepted if they do not overlook neighbours or adversely affect street scene. Side dormers should be well-inset so as not to have a dominating effect on the host dwelling.
Corten steel dormer in Walthamstow, by DeDraftArchitects
Although the corten steel used in this dormer is not seen in the host dwelling, it reflects the tone of the red brick and clay roof tiles. The proposal is acceptable due to its high quality detailing and materials. Read more about exemplar design here.
Loft extensions
7.8.12
Loft extensions are typically not supported in conservation areas.
7.8.13
Loft extensions to the front of a property are typically not supported, except in certain circumstances where they reflect the existing character of the area.
7.8.14
Loft extensions to the rear may be supported outside of conservation areas. Where planning permission is required, proposals for loft extensions must:
be set in at least 0.5m from the roof sides.
be set in at least 0.25m from the ridge and eaves.
be complementary to the existing roofscape in terms of proposed materials and colours.
Rooflights
7.8.15
Where planning permission is required, proposals for rooflights must:
be subordinate features on the roof and align with windows below, to create a more considered and balanced elevation.
not extend more than 150mm above the slope of the original roof, or ideally be flush.
7.8.16
For terraced houses, there should be no more rooflights to the front than the number of windows on the front elevation. Where possible, rooflights should line up with windows below, in order to create a balanced elevation.
Rooflight as part of a home alteration project in Walthamstow, by DeDraft Architects
Hip-to-gable roof extensions
7.8.17
Proposals for hip-to-gable roof extensions are not usually approved, unless there are established patterns of this in the immediate surrounding area. To be considered, proposals must be of exemplar quality and demonstrate that they would not negatively impact the symmetry of the building or terrace.
Raising the roof ridge
7.8.18
Making sustainable alterations to roofs can involve the raising of a roof ridge. Applications will be supported when the applicant can demonstrate that the proposal would not be detrimental to the streetscape, through visualisations, elevations, sections or other appropriate drawings.
This project by Neil Dusheiko Architects in North London includes rear single storey extension and rear dormer
Retrofit considerations for this type of alteration - this can be viewed closer-up in the right-hand side bar
Learn about the retrofit ideas above, and other retrofit measures, using the links below:
For information about the guidance on this page and how it should be applied, visit Using this SPD.
Where proposals deviate from the guidance here, the Council will need to be satisfied that proposals are high quality and not detrimental to neighbourhood amenity. Pre-application submission is encouraged.
Rear dormer and outrigger roof extension in Leytonstone, by Mike Tuck Studio
7.8 Loft extensions and roof alterations
Roof extensions and alterations can provide additional light and space for a lower cost than a ground-level extension. However, any works to the roof can still be disruptive, and will usually require scaffolding to be installed.
7.8.1
For all roof extensions and alterations, spaces must comply with the Nationally Described Space Standard, as reflected in both the London Plan and Local Plan, in terms of room heights and internal floor areas.
7.8.2
Proposals for roof extensions and alterations should use high quality materials. Proposals should reflect the architectural character of the existing building and neighbours, in terms of form, features and materials.
7.8.3
Where homes have already been extended, consideration will be given to the cumulative impact on character and neighbouring amenity. This will not affect permitted development rights.
Rear roof dormer, set in minimum 0.25m from the eaves and ridge, and 0.5m from the roof sides
Dormers
A dormer is a window set vertically in a structure projecting through a sloping roof.
7.8.4
Dormers are typically not supported in conservation areas in order to preserve local character. This is supported by Policy 53 of the Local Plan, ‘Delivering High Quality Design’, and Policy 72, ‘Conservation Areas’.
7.8.5
Front dormers are typically not supported, except in certain circumstances where they reflect the existing character of the area. This is supported by Policy 53 of the Local Plan, ‘Delivering High Quality Design’.
7.8.6
Rear dormers may be supported outside of conservation areas. Where rear dormers are proposed, they must:
be set in at least 0.5m from the roof sides.
be set in at least 0.25m from the ridge and eaves.
7.8.7
Where planning permission is required, rear dormers in unaltered terraces may be supported where:
proposals are sufficiently set in as per the dimensions above.
proposals can demonstrate that they are of exemplar quality.
7.8.8
Where planning permission is required, rear L-shaped dormers may be supported where:
proposals reflect the existing character of the area.
proposals can demonstrate that they are of exemplar quality.
7.8.9
All proposed dormers should be complementary to the existing roofscape in terms of forms, materials and colours.
7.8.10
Where a property has been extended to the side, a single dormer should not span the full roof width. To help retain balance and regularity of roof forms along the street, the dormer width should be restricted to the width of the original roof, or two smaller dormers added.
7.8.11
Proposals for side dormers on hipped roofs will only be accepted if they do not overlook neighbours or adversely affect street scene. Side dormers should be well-inset so as not to have a dominating effect on the host dwelling.
Corten steel dormer in Walthamstow, by DeDraftArchitects
Although the corten steel used in this dormer is not seen in the host dwelling, it reflects the tone of the red brick and clay roof tiles. The proposal is acceptable due to its high quality detailing and materials. Read more about exemplar design here.
Loft extensions
7.8.12
Loft extensions are typically not supported in conservation areas.
7.8.13
Loft extensions to the front of a property are typically not supported, except in certain circumstances where they reflect the existing character of the area.
7.8.14
Loft extensions to the rear may be supported outside of conservation areas. Where planning permission is required, proposals for loft extensions must:
be set in at least 0.5m from the roof sides.
be set in at least 0.25m from the ridge and eaves.
be complementary to the existing roofscape in terms of proposed materials and colours.
Rooflights
7.8.15
Where planning permission is required, proposals for rooflights must:
be subordinate features on the roof and align with windows below, to create a more considered and balanced elevation.
not extend more than 150mm above the slope of the original roof, or ideally be flush.
7.8.16
For terraced houses, there should be no more rooflights to the front than the number of windows on the front elevation. Where possible, rooflights should line up with windows below, in order to create a balanced elevation.
Rooflight as part of a home alteration project in Walthamstow, by DeDraft Architects
Hip-to-gable roof extensions
7.8.17
Proposals for hip-to-gable roof extensions are not usually approved, unless there are established patterns of this in the immediate surrounding area. To be considered, proposals must be of exemplar quality and demonstrate that they would not negatively impact the symmetry of the building or terrace.
Raising the roof ridge
7.8.18
Making sustainable alterations to roofs can involve the raising of a roof ridge. Applications will be supported when the applicant can demonstrate that the proposal would not be detrimental to the streetscape, through visualisations, elevations, sections or other appropriate drawings.
This project by Neil Dusheiko Architects in North London includes rear single storey extension and rear dormer
Retrofit considerations for this type of alteration - this can be viewed closer-up in the right-hand side bar
Learn about the retrofit ideas above, and other retrofit measures, using the links below:
Rear dormer and outrigger roof extension in Leytonstone, by Mike Tuck Studio 
Rear roof dormer, set in minimum 0.25m from the eaves and ridge, and 0.5m from the roof sides 
Corten steel dormer in Walthamstow, by DeDraftArchitects
Rooflight as part of a home alteration project in Walthamstow, by DeDraft Architects
This project by Neil Dusheiko Architects in North London includes rear single storey extension and rear dormer
Retrofit considerations for this type of alteration - this can be viewed closer-up in the right-hand side bar 