Roof space
Access - alteration - conversion
It is not unusual for the roof space in a dwelling to be used to accommodate additional
living space or storage space. In such instances it is often the case that structural
alterations are necessary.
These web pages explain what work may require Building Warrant permission from the
Council's Building Standards Service and highlights possible design considerations.
Building Warrant requirement
If you propose to use the roof space as a bedroom, study or other room or if you
intend to carry out works such as structural alterations, installing a roof light,
providing heating, lining walls and ceilings or installing electrical power points
you will require to submit an application for a Building Warrant to your South Ayrshire
Council
along with detailed plans showing full compliance with the Building Standards.
It is important that professional advice is sought and all approvals are obtained from South Ayrshire Council before any work starts.
The illustration below (not to scale) highlights the main parts of the work to be
considered by Building Standards such as thermal insulation, ventilation, structural
strengthening, fire safety and safe design.

No
Building Warrant required

If you only propose to floor the roof space for light domestic storage without overloading
the roof structure and access from the lower storey is by way of a retractable/removable
ladder then Building Warrant approval from the Councils Building Standards
Service is not required.
Warning
If you do not obtain all necessary approvals for work in the roof space legal problems
can arise and the safety of your property and the occupants may be affected. You
may also find that difficulties could arise during the sale of your property following
a normal property enquiry carried out by a solicitor.
Planning requirement
In detached, semi-detached or terraced houses which are not Listed and are not within
a Conservation Area Planning Permission is not required providing:
- Any roof light does not project more than 100mm above the plane of the roof.
- Any roof lights do not cover more than 10% of the roof area.
Planning Permission is always required for dormer windows in dwellings and to install
roof lights in flats.
Notes
This guidance page gives you a broad view of the requirements for using the roof
space in dwellings and if more detailed information is required it is necessary
to refer to the
Technical Handbook and the Building Standards (Scotland)
Regulations.
The illustrations in these web pages show the development of the roof space in a
single storey dwelling and additional works require to be considered for dwellings
with more storeys.