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I have had a number of contradictory opinions on this. I would like to replace the old, original concrete roof tiles on my property with a more contemporary design. I am not in a conservation area and my property is not listed. I have contacted the local planning department and they have stated that I would need to submit a full application if I wanted to change the roof finish as it constitutes a material alteration. However two local planning consultants have suggested that this is not the case and, so long as I conform to PD rules, I would not have to make a submission. The only issue that concerns me is that the PD rules state that the replacement roof finish has to be “similar”. Although I will be using concrete roof tiles, the colour and shape of the tile will be different from the original ones. What is your opinion?

The term “similar” is a little ambiguous. You could argue replacing tiles with tiles is considered and acknowledged to be similar.

You have a few options…

- Replace them and be done with it.
- Submit a LDC application and if agreed, replace them.
- Submit a HH application and cover all bases.

If in doubt or it isn’t clear cut, submit a HH application.

Thank you for your response Damian. Yes, both are options that we have considered. Our worry is that 1. the determination period for either a HH or LDC application may delay our contract with our builder and roofer, and 2. there is a chance that the authority will refuse the application if they believe that our proposal is not sympathetic to the local area, and we will then either have to appeal or abandon the roofing project altogether. I have spoken to a local planning consultant who suggested the same as you, and just do it and hope that no-one notices! Can't say that I am comfortable with that approach.