Discover Hertford Online Forum

Reply ID 93862

Check out the changes in rules on "permitted development".

Reply ID 93864

When I lived in Wellington St we were told that Dormers were a no-no.

Reply ID 93866

Hi Chalkie, we are also in a conservation area on Folly Island. You wouldn't need planning for any windows which do not protrude 150mm (so Velux) out from the original roof (just regs if it is a legal conversion). There is a very helpful chap at the council call Chris something who will give you the likelihood of acceptance of a planning application for a dorma.. Don’t bother emailing them as they will come back and try and charge you for the same info. I had my conversion built by this guy and was very happy. Mr R.Carr 07853 273446 http://www.riversidebuilders-hertford.co.uk/index.html

Reply ID 93870

Hi, I live in Nelson st and when we had a loft conversion in 2004 we were not allowed a dormer. However I think the rules have changed as a friend in Molewood Road and a terrace in Wellington st have both, very recently, had loft conversions with dormers.

Reply ID 93871

Thanks everyone, that is really helpful and much appreciated.

Reply ID 93906

You should be allowed a dormer 1/3rd the size of the current roof. It needs to be some way away from the neighbours so it would probably need to be central. This can cause a problem with staircase position. Hope this helps if you're not sorted already.

Reply ID 93907

The architect/engineer/builders should know the regulations and what you can and cannot do. However do not rely on them alone. I know someone who had a loft extension built with a balcony only to be instructed to remove the balcony. I recommend doing your own research, which I guess you are, Chalkie, by coming on here. When I had a loft extension built I looked online and downloaded the current regulations which were not too difficult to interpret. When the planning department rejected my application I arranged a meeting with the planning officer to question the decision and found that he had referenced an out of date copy of the regulations.

Reply ID 93943

Permitted development rules, class B allow for dormer windows of a particular size, unfortunatley these class B rights are removed if you are within a conservation area. Some dormers could be allowed if they are well designed, do not over crowd the roof, have windows in proportion with the fenestration of the main house and are to the rear. A flat roof caravan type will definatley be resisted by the council within a conservation area. A smaller say 1200mm wide window with a pitched roof over would have more of a chance in obtaining planning. Also have a look around at your neighbours to see if they have any dormers as they would set a precedent (barring the caravan type). Another thing to consider is would it cause overlooking of your neighbours? Each case will be determined by its merits. If it ticks all of the above then it would have a very good chance of obtaining planning permission. However depending on the footprint of the house, where the existing stairs come up and height to the top of the roof you could possibly create a decent sized room just with rooflights. We have just finished one in Bengeo to a Victorian house and it provided a fantastic master bedroom with ensuite without the need for dormers. The Council have a duty planning officer at Wallfields everyday, I think until lunchtime and you could pop in and discuss your proposals with them to get an initial feel of what they may allow. Also you could get an Architect to prepare some sketches and send them in for pre application advice which the Council charge £30 and you get a written response detailing what chances it would have of gaining planning permission. You could show a dormer in these intial sketches, the planning officer will then advise if it would be acceptable or not prior to submitting a full planning application.

Reply ID 93961

Thanks again everyone.....yet more helpful replies,I really appreciate that.