Dormer windows and roof lights – size, number and positioning

The size and number of dormer windows and roof lights should be kept to a minimum to avoid dominating the appearance of the roof and should be located below the ridge line of the existing roof. Positioning dormer windows vertically in line with the windows below and ensuring that they are smaller in size will usually avoid a top-heavy or unbalanced appearance. Dormer windows to the front or side of a property are unlikely to be acceptable in areas where they are uncharacteristic, particularly large box dormers that are overdominant often extending the full width of the roof. Similarly, it is preferable to locate roof lights on the least visible aspect of the roof, such as the rear roof slopes. However, where roof lights are proposed on front roofs, the windows should be 'conservation type' windows to fit flush with the roof slope.