roof terrace/garden

[Anonymous]

I live in a large house, the once large garden was sold before we purchased the house, and three houses built at the back of us

Our downstairs lounge has a section that is a flat roof, this roof needs re-doing and I wondered if we could turn it into a terrace,perhaps with a floating deck, accessible by french doors in our upstairs bedroom.

Do we need planning permission to do this, the approx space is 10 feet in length and 15 feet in width. Our house is not listed, and we would not be making any additional space, just accessing and using space we already have.

It would add so much more outside space for us to enjoy and would be lovely to have breakfast on a roof terrace.

Any advice of websites to visit etc gratefully appreciated

Jackie

 

[Anonymous]

I'm not sure whether you'd need planning and/or building regs consent - I'm sure others will know better than me.
However, I would definitely seek the advice of a structural engineer to check the strength of the roof structure. You need to be very confident that your roof garden isn't going to end up in the lounge below. You definitely won't get a suntan in there.

 

[Anonymous]

I can't see why you should need planning permission unless you were in a conservation area where altering the windows needs PP (and even then probably wouldn't round the back), or maybe if it destroys the privacy of your neighbours since you can now get a better view of their hot-tub. There are building regulations regarding heat loss of doors, Part-L and protection from falling, Part-K, but such things shouldn't stop you. Just think about a railing you can lean on. Your floating deck should distribute the loads safely. There would be something amiss if the roof couldn't take the weight. If it were me I'd just do it; what's life without a few risks?

 

[Anonymous]

Jackie
I did this 30 years ago and passed the property the other day - it is still in use...forgive me if I`m stating the obvious but....

I assume you`re not overlooking adjacent property

ensure the support joists are more than adequate

construct good parapet to safe height above roof eg 3`

make absolutely sure you waterproof the roof and run it up sides by about 6" - in case you get snow build-up.

ensure water drains off and doesn`t puddle

spend some time investigating best tiling - we made a
mistake here by laying trendy ( then ) quarry tiles.

make provision for shade and shelter - you`ll be surprised how hot and windy it can be even 9` above ground level

good luck
Phil

 

[Anonymous]

I would also be very tempted to just do it.

It's your roof top and you can sit on it you want, as long as you have at least 900mm height close railing or wall for safety.
Just give your local planning office a call, explain what you want to do and see what their reaction is.