05 May 2016
Home owners considering replacing the glazed roof on their conservatory with a solid roof are being reminded that such work requires planning and building permission.
Building bye-law permission is required to enable checks to be made on the quality of the proposed work to ensure it meets certain safety and energy efficiency standards; in particular that the conservatory structure is able to support a solid roof, the new roof is suitably fixed to withstand wind loads and the design does not adversely affect the overall stability of the conservatory.
The reminder has been issued by Planning and Building Services following the installation of a number of solid roofs locally by UK contractors targeting Jersey home owners, where planning and building permission has not been obtained.
Director of Building Control Mo Roscouet said “The building bye-laws exist to provide home owners with confidence that building work is done properly, and that it meets building bye-law standards. Replacing a roof on a lightweight structure like a conservatory with a solid roof can result in overstressing the existing structure and the company quoting to do the work should provide evidence this will not occur. It is also important that the new roof and any non-glazed parts of the external walls are insulated to the bye-law standards to conserve energy and to prevent problems with condensation.
“Planning permission is also currently required when the shape of the roof is being altered or when non-natural slate or clay tiles are used. These conditions exist to try and protect the character of Island buildings and while other roof materials may be acceptable, these need to be considered on a case-by-case basis.”
Jersey contractors aware of requirements
Mo Roscouet continued “We work closely with local contractors and they are aware of the Jersey planning and building requirements and advise home owners accordingly. It would appear that a small number of UK contractors are marketing their services without informing home owners of the legal requirements in relation to replacing conservatory roofs. This is unsatisfactory and we have made contact with those UK based companies concerned.”
Any home owner considering replacing their glazed conservatory roof with a solid roof or who has recently replaced their roof and has not obtained planning or building permission should contact the Planning and Building Services team for advice on 445508.
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