Do I need planning permission to re-roof my Southampton house?

No, in most cases. Re-roofing with the same or similar materials is permitted development. Exceptions: listed buildings (need listed building consent), and material changes in conservation areas may need consent.

Do I need planning permission for Velux windows in Southampton?

Not for rear elevation windows that meet standard permitted development criteria (not protruding more than 150mm). Front elevation windows and windows in conservation areas require permission.

Are there conservation areas in Southampton?

Yes. Parts of Portswood, Highfield, Bitterne Manor and the city centre are in conservation areas. Different rules apply to roof alterations in these areas. We advise on planning implications during the free survey.

Can I re-roof a listed building in Southampton without consent?

No. Any works to a listed building require Listed Building Consent — including repairs and re-roofing. We advise on consent requirements for listed buildings and work with appropriate consultants where needed.

Planning Permission for Roofing Work in Southampton

Quick Answer

Most roofing work in Southampton — repairs, like-for-like re-roofing, chimney work, guttering and fascias — needs no planning permission. Rear Velux windows are permitted development. Dormers on principal elevations, material changes in conservation areas, and any work to listed buildings do require consent. Portswood, Highfield and Bitterne Manor have conservation areas.

Most roofing maintenance and repair work in Southampton does not require planning permission. But there are situations where it does — and getting it wrong can be expensive. This guide explains the rules clearly.

What Never Needs Planning Permission

Roof repairs, re-roofing with the same or similar materials, chimney repairs, gutter replacement, fascia and soffit replacement, moss removal and flat roof replacement on the same footprint are all permitted development. No planning application needed.

The Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order sets out which roofing alterations are permitted without a planning application.
Source: Town and Country Planning (GPD) Order

Velux and Roof Windows

Roof windows on non-principal (rear and side) elevations are permitted development as long as they do not protrude more than 150mm above the roof pitch. Front elevation windows require planning permission. Properties in conservation areas require consent for any roof window visible from a public road.

Dormer Windows

Rear dormers on a main house are permitted development if they do not exceed the highest part of the existing roof and meet setback requirements. Side dormers require planning permission. Any dormer on a principal elevation requires permission. Conservation area properties require consent for all dormers.

Material Changes in Conservation Areas

Southampton has several conservation areas — parts of Portswood, Highfield, Bitterne Manor and the city centre. In conservation areas, changing roof materials from what is currently in place may require planning permission even for a re-roof. Like-for-like replacement (Welsh slate for Welsh slate, clay tile for clay tile) is generally fine without permission.

Listed Buildings

Any works to a listed building — including roofing — require Listed Building Consent in addition to any planning permission. This applies even to repairs and maintenance. There are listed buildings scattered across Southampton, particularly in the historic city centre area. Check your property's listed status before any work.

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Last reviewed: 20 July 2026 by Southampton Roofing Experts

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