How we approach roof lanterns in Formby
For Formby homes and buildings we offer roof lanterns: hipped glass lanterns that lift the ceiling of orangeries and extensions. We measure first, specify to the opening and confirm any planning or building-control points before quoting.
The North West gets more rain than most of England, so upstand height, membrane detailing and rain sensors on opening units are not optional extras. Typical uses for roof lanterns include orangeries, kitchen-diners and single-storey extensions.
Formby sits about 10 km from Maghull and 10 km from Southport, and we cover the whole L37 postcode district and the roads in between.
What you can choose
- Rectangular, square or bespoke sizes
- LED lighting in the plaster box
- Aluminium or uPVC systems
- Internal and external colours
- Opening vents with electric control
- Can include opening vents
- Light from every angle across the day
Things we check at survey
- Some designs project above the roof enough to affect planning on certain houses
- Plaster-box depth affects how the lantern looks from below
Consents for roof lanterns in Formby
English householder permitted development (Class C) normally covers rooflights that stand no more than 0.15 m proud of the roof plane and stay below the highest part of the roof. Listed buildings need listed building consent, flats have no householder permitted development rights, and an Article 4 direction can remove the rights in some conservation areas.
Building Regulations Approved Document L sets a limiting U-value of 2.2 W/m²K for new or replacement rooflights in existing homes, measured in the horizontal plane; roof windows need 1.4 W/m²K or a Band B energy rating. The Future Homes and Buildings Standards, published in March 2026, apply from 24 March 2027 and keep the 2.2 W/m²K limit for rooflights.
Our planning guide covers each nation in more detail.
Guide prices for Formby
The ranges below are typical for straightforward jobs; your fixed price follows a survey of your roof.
| Option | Guide price inc VAT | Ex VAT |
|---|---|---|
| Large or bespoke aluminium lantern | £5,995 – £10,795 | £4,995 – £8,995 |
| Mid-size aluminium lantern (2 × 3 m) Typical | £3,955 – £5,995 | £3,295 – £4,995 |
| Small lantern (1 × 2 m) | £2,995 – £3,955 | £2,495 – £3,295 |
How the job runs
- Get in touch. Use the form, WhatsApp or the guide-price tool with your Formby address.
- Measure and check. A surveyor visits Formby, measures and checks structure and access.
- Agree the quote. You approve the specification and price before anything is ordered.
- Installation day. Usually one day into a prepared opening, longer for new openings.
Roof lanterns near Formby
Related work in Formby
Questions about roof lanterns in Formby
Aluminium or uPVC?
Aluminium gives slimmer bars and a longer life; uPVC costs less. We fit both.
Do they leak?
Modern lanterns are sealed systems. Leaks usually trace back to the kerb or roof membrane detail, which we form and check ourselves.
Roof lantern or flat rooflight?
A lantern adds height and sky from all sides; a flat rooflight is lower-profile and cleaner from outside. Our guide compares them in detail.
Will I need planning permission in Formby?
Most rooflights on English houses do not need planning permission, provided they keep within 150 mm of the roof surface and below the ridge line.
Do I need to be at home for the survey in Formby?
Yes — someone needs to let us into the room below and, where possible, show us how the roof is reached.
