Roofing Leads for UK Roofers from Planning Applications
Spot roofing projects at the planning stage. Be among the first roofers to introduce yourself.
BuildAlert finds roofing leads across the UK in planning applications. See proposed loft conversions, dormers, extensions, re-roofs, roof covering changes, rooflights and chimney work, often before the homeowner has started collecting quotes, then choose which applicants to contact.
Why planning applications give roofers an early opportunity
When someone applies for a loft conversion, dormer, extension or roof alteration, the plans can reveal roofing work while the project is still being planned. That makes planning data a useful source of leads for roofers: instead of waiting for a homeowner to post a job and invite several roofers to quote, you can spot the work early and introduce your business directly.
Early visibility gives you a chance to be among the first to get in touch, explain how you could help and stay in touch as the project moves through planning. BuildAlert campaigns can monitor for new applications matching your area, tags and keywords, so your roofing lead generation keeps working in the background.
Planning applications are public, and projects can change or not go ahead, so being early gives you a head start rather than a guaranteed job.
Review planning application details and drawings before deciding which applicants to contact
Enter your postcode to find roofing planning applications near you
Three ways to find roofing applications
There are three separate ways to turn planning data into roofing contractor leads. Use one, or combine them in a campaign.
Start with the Roofing Lead Pack
The Roofing Lead Pack is a ready-made starting point. It groups roofing-relevant project types and tags, including Re-Roofing, Dormer, Hip to Gable, Rooflights, Roof Lanterns and Roof Extension.
Choose the areas you serve, review the matches and adjust your campaign to focus on the work you want.
Search campaign descriptions by keyword
Use campaign keyword search to find wording in planning application descriptions that matches your services. This can help you find specific work even when an application's project type is broad.
Try terms such as
Filter by tags
Use tags to narrow applications to the types of roofing work you want to pursue. Relevant tags include:
Tags help surface related proposals even when councils use different wording in their application descriptions. You can combine relevant tags with your location and campaign settings.
Roofing projects you can find
Loft conversions, dormers and roof extensions
Loft conversion applications can involve rear or front dormers, hip-to-gable alterations, raised ridges and other changes to the roofline. The submitted plans can help you judge the likely roofing scope and see where the proposed work sits on the building.
Look for the Dormer, Loft Extension, Loft Conversion and Hip to Gable tags, or search for terms such as dormer window, roof extension, raised ridge and roof alterations.
Extensions with new roofs
Single-storey and first-floor extensions can create new flat or pitched roofs, new roof junctions and work where an extension joins the existing roof. Plans may also show roof lanterns or rooflights. Extensions can be a regular source of new roof leads.
Look for Roof Extension and Roof Lanterns, or search descriptions for flat roof, pitched roof, roof lantern and rooflight.
Changes to the shape of an existing roof
Some applications propose changes to the roof itself, such as changing a hip roof to a gable, raising the ridge, altering the pitch or changing a flat roof to a pitched roof.
Use the Hip to Gable or Roof Extension tags and search for wording such as change of roof profile, increase in ridge height, alteration to roofline and change from flat to pitched roof.
Re-roofing and changes to roof tiles or slate
Applications may specify a new roof covering or a change in material. A proposal might mention re-slating a roof, replacing existing roof tiles with slate, or altering roof tiles as part of wider building work.
Use the Re-Roofing tag and search for slate, re-slating, roof tiles, replacement roof covering or roof materials. Check the application details and drawings to see what covering is proposed.
Rooflights, skylights and sun tunnels
Loft conversions and extensions may include new rooflights, skylights, roof windows or sun tunnels. Plans can show their proposed position on the roof slope and whether they form part of a larger project.
Use the Rooflights tag and search for rooflight, roof window, skylight or sun tunnel.
Chimney removal and making good the roof
Chimney alterations can create related roofing work and roof repair leads. An application may describe removing or reducing a chimney stack, repairing chimney caps, carrying out associated chimney repairs or making good the roof with new slates or tiles.
Use the Chimney tag and search for chimney stack, chimney removal, chimney repairs or making good roof.
Examples of roofing work described in applications
Planning application descriptions can include details such as:
- “Re-slating of roof and replacement front door and roof window.”
- “Alterations to roof tiles of existing roof.”
- “Removal of existing chimney stack … making good of roof with natural slate.”
- “Changing of roof profile from hip to gable … with rear dormer extension and front rooflights.”
These are examples of proposed work. An application may change, be refused or not go ahead, so check the application status and available drawings before deciding whether to contact the applicant.
Review project details before making contact
Every one of these roofer leads comes from a live planning application. Depending on what has been submitted, you may be able to review:
- Applicant or planning agent details
- Property address and project location
- Project description and proposed works
- Planning status and local authority reference
- Planning drawings and supporting documents
- Estimated project value, UPRN or EPC information where available
Use the description and drawings to decide whether the project matches your roofing services and preferred locations. When a project suits your business, send a personalised letter or postcard through BuildAlert, then follow up using the campaign options available. Read more about how BuildAlert works or see BuildAlert pricing.
Browse planning applications by location
Explore planning activity in London, Essex, the West Midlands and Glasgow. These pages show local planning activity. Use BuildAlert's campaign filters to focus on applications that may involve roofing work.
For examples of finding roofing opportunities in a specific area, read about roofing applications in Birmingham and roofing opportunities in Glasgow.
More ways to use planning application data
If your business also carries out loft conversions, see loft conversion leads for specialist companies.
Chimney alterations can involve roof making-good work. Read our guide to chimney removal planning applications.
You can also explore construction leads for UK builders or see how BuildAlert supports other UK tradespeople.
Frequently asked questions
Loft conversions, dormers, roof extensions, roof-shape changes, re-roofing and covering changes, rooflights, and chimney-related roof work.
Yes, if the proposed material is mentioned in the description or supporting documents. Check the drawings and documents for the detail.
No. Routine like-for-like work may not need an application, so planning data will show only some re-roofing projects.
You can review drawings and documents where they’ve been submitted with the application.
No. They’re planning applications, not quote requests. BuildAlert lets you review and choose which applicants to approach.
Yes. Use campaign location settings such as postcode, radius, town or local authority, then narrow results with keywords and tags.
Yes. BuildAlert offers campaign follow-up options, including scheduled letters. Check the campaign settings for the options available.
Find roofing leads near you
Search UK planning applications for roofing work in the areas you serve, review the proposed projects and contact the applicants that suit your business.