Planning for Lofts

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Do I Need Planning Permission For My Loft Conversion?

Permitted Development Rights – Loft Conversions

Provided your property has its permitted development rights in place and you are not planning any changes to the front elevation of the property, planning permission is generally not usually required provided the loft conversion is designed to satisfy the recommendations set out in the Town and Country Permitted Development Act (detailed below).

Householder planning consent is required however if you decide to extend or alter the roof space and it exceeds the specified limits and conditions of the permitted development order which came into effect on 1st October 2008.

This guidance is relevant to domestic houses only. Properties divided into flats or maisonettes will require full planning approval for a loft conversion, they may also require landlord/freeholder consent as well.

Building Regulations Approval

It is important to remember that ALL loft conversions will require building control approval, and building regulations plans and calculations will be required for approval of building control checking engineer prior to commencement of work on site.

Building regulations approval is required to convert your loft or into an habitable part of your home.

The building inspector will want to make sure of amongst other things, the following:

the structural strength of the new floor is sufficient to take the live and dead loads imposed by new fixtures, furniture and persons using the loftspace.
the stability of the existing structure (including the existing roof) is not compromised by the loft conversion
safe escape from the loft room (generally classified as 3^rd floor) in the event of fire
safely designed stairs providing access to the new loft room.
Appropriate sound insulation is incorporated into the design for between the loft conversion and the rooms below.
Upgrading of insulation to ensure a warm and energy efficient additional space within your home.

It is also important to consider that your loft conversion will likely require you to obtain consent from your neighbours under The Party Wall etc. Act 1996.

PERMITTED DEVELOPMENT GUIDELINES

Subject to the following limits and conditions planning permission is generally not required:

The volume allowance of 40 cubic metres additional roof space for terraced houses*
The volume allowance of 50 cubic metres additional roof space for detached and semi-detached houses*
There cannot be an extension beyond the place of the existing roof slope of the main elevation facing the highway.
No extension can be taller than the highest part of the existing roof
Materials used in the extension must be similar to the materials used on the existing house
No balconies, verandas, or raised platforms (Juliet balconies are permitted)
All side-facing windows must be obscure glazed; this includes any opening 1.7 metres above the floor
In designated areas, roof extensions are not permitted development
Aside from hip and gable roof extensions, all roof extensions are to be set back as far as possible, and must be at least 20 centimetres from the eaves.

If you are in have doubts regarding the lawfulness of your proposed loft conversion then please call 0800 069 9550 to speak to a member of our friendly team.

Our Risk Free No Quibble Guarantee

The KJM DESIGNS Loft Conversion Plans Guarantee

Our loft conversion plans are guaranteed to include UNLIMITED revisions for any alterations as required by your local authority until such time as your plans are approved/a decision notice is issued.

There are no extra costs GUARANTEED for further revisions until the council have approved your plans / issued a decision notice.

You can budget your costs sure in the knowledge that there are no extra architect bills further down the line.