Many loft conversions come under permitted development and will not require planning permission. The following considerations can help you to assess whether this will be the case for your home:
- Your home is not situated in a National Park, the Broads, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, conservation areas or World Heritage Sites.
- A volume allowance of 40 cubic metres additional roof space for terraced houses. (It is worth noting that any previous roof extension must be included into this volume allowance even if it was carried out by previous owners).
- A volume allowance of 50 cubic metres additional roof space for detached and semi-detached houses. (It is worth noting that any previous roof extension must be included into this volume allowance even if it was carried out by previous owners).
- Hip-to -gable extensions are mostly accepted by permitted development. However, some councils may place additional conditions on roof form over an existing side extension. When we come to survey your property we can help you assess whether this would apply to your home.
- Rear dormers are acceptable under permitted development, however, front dormers will require planning permission. Despite this, rooflights to the front of your property can still come under permitted development.
- Mansard roof extensions will nearly always require planning permission.
- Material choice will need to be similar in appearance to the existing house.
- Roof extensions cannot project higher than the existing roof or overhang the outer face of the wall of the original house.
- Side facing windows will be required to be obscure-glazed.
- Balconies will require planning permission.
We hope this is a useful tool to understand the possibilities of converting your loft space within permitted development or otherwise. If you would like to discuss your project further, we would love to hear from you to arrange an initial consultation.
