DO I NEED PLANNING PERMISSION FOR LOFT CONVERSION
It is fairly common to convert all or part of a loft to create an extra room in order to prevent needing to move to a new house. The most common additions are an extra bedroom or study. Many house owners also convert the loft to gain an extra bedroom with an ensuite and extra storage space. The attic area of a building tends to be unused, but when converted can add a large amount of floor space.
With roof alterations, the emphasis is very much on appearance and this is reflected in the above criteria. Materials used have to be similar to the existing, the alteration cannot exceed the height of the existing roof and you cannot introduce a veranda, balcony or raised platform into the scheme without it needing planning permission.
Do I Need Planning Permission?
Loft Conversion requiring Full Planning Permission
If the design for your loft conversion do not meet all the criteria to be considered as a permitted development you may require full planning permission. This may happen if you plan to have more space in your loft than the volume allowance permits or perhaps you are thinking of creating a front facing dormer. You could also be considering the addition of a balcony or veranda to complement your loft.
It is most likely you will require planning permission if your loft conversion comes under any of the following:
• If the loft conversion exceeds the volume allowance of 40 cubic meters for terraced houses, or 50 cubic meters for detached and semi-detached houses. Any previous roof space additions must be included within this volume allowance. Although you may not have created additional space a previous owner may have done so.
• If the loft conversion has any dormers or extensions on the front of the house, facing the road.
• If the loft conversion has any part higher than the highest part of the roof.
• If the loft conversion is to be constructed with materials dissimilar in appearance to the existing house.
• If the loft conversion includes verandas, balconies or raised platforms.
• If the loft conversion has clear glazed side facing windows for any opening 1.7m above the floor.
• If the loft conversion is not set back at least 20cm from the eaves, is measured along the roof plane (Excluding hipto gable).
Loft Conversions under Permitted Development
On 1st October 2008 new rules covering whether or not you can create additional habitable space in the loft without having to apply for planning permission came into force.The New limits and conditions for what is allowed without the need for planning permission apply largely to the dimensions of the proposed addition, its position on the house and its proximity to your boundaries.
Under the new regulations building a loft conversion on a property that is not within designated land is considered permitted development, not requiring an application for planning permission, providing certain limits and conditions are met.
Designated land includes national parks and the Broads, Areas of outstanding Natural Beauty, Conservation areas and Word Heritage Sites.
• For a loft conversion to be considered permitted development, not requiring planning permission it must:
• Not exceed the volume allowance of 40 cubic meters of additional space for terraced houses, or 50 cubic meters for detached and semi-detached houses. Any previous roof space additions must be included within this volume allowance.
Although you may not have created additional space a previous owner may have done so.
• Not have any dormers or extensions on the roof plane of the principal (front) elevation facing the road.
• Not contain any extension higher than the highest part of the roof
• Be constructed with materials similar in appearance to the existing house Not include verandas, balconies or raised platforms
• Have obscure-glazed side facing windows for any opening 1.7m above the floor
• Roof extensions to be set back at least 20cm from the eaves, is measured along the roof plane (Excluding hip to gable).
Loft Conversion in Flats or Maisonettes:
If you are planning on altering the roof space with an extension or dormer, Planning Permission would be required prior to beginning any works.
Loft Conversion in a Conservatio
In a conservation area you will require planning permission for all dormers and roof extensions. It is absolutely necessary to obtain the required conservation area consent prior to beginning any works. Going ahead without this may result in a fine or imprisonment, or both.
Do I Need Building Regulations?
Building Regulations approval is required to convert a loft or attic into a liveable space.
For any loft conversion, the regulations will be applied to ensure that:- the new floor is structurally sound the stability of the structure (including the existing roof) is not endangered allows safe escape from fire safely designed stairs to the new floor reasonable sound insulation exists between the loft conversion and the rooms below
How Plan B Architecture can help you
At Plan B Architecture we would be glad to assist you with any query you may have regarding your loft conversions. Should you need loft conversion planning permission, we would be glad to assist you with all elements of your application.
If you would require drawing only, we can provide you with detailed existing and proposed drawings for all types of loft conversions.
Please call Plan B Architecture Today On 0208 4072472 To Find Out How We Can Help You With Your Loft Conversion.
