Replacing a glass or polycarbonate conservatory roof with a warm roof — insulated deck, tiles, skylights — is one of the most common improvements we do in Warrington. The question almost always comes up: do we need Building Control?
In most cases, yes — but it's straightforward. A warm roof turns what was technically a temporary structure (a conservatory) into something closer to a permanent extension. Building Control checks the structural work, the insulation value and the electrical if you're adding lighting or heating.
Permitted development rules allow conservatories without planning permission, provided they meet certain size limits. A warm roof doesn't change the footprint, so planning permission usually isn't required. But Building Control is separate from planning — it's about structural safety, not whether you can build it.
We handle the Building Control application as part of the job. You pay the fee (typically £200–£400 depending on the local authority), we submit the plans, and an inspector visits at the appropriate stage. The whole process adds about 2–3 weeks to the timeline.
If you're adding underfloor heating, new radiators or significant electrical work to the room, Building Control is almost certainly required regardless of the roof change. Better to do it properly than risk issues when you sell the house.
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