TYPES OF LOFT CONVERSIONS
PLANNING PERMISSION
Planning permission is a formal permission from a local authority for the erection or alteration of buildings or similar development.
You’ll probably need planning permission if you want to:
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build something new
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make a major change to your building, eg building an extension
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change the use of your building
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You do not usually need to apply for planning permission for:
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repairs, maintenance, and minor improvements, such as repainting window and door frames
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insertion of new windows and doors that are of a similar appearance to those used in the construction of the house (note - a new bay window will be treated as an extension and may require permission). If new windows are in an upper-floor side elevation they must be obscure-glazed and either non opening or more than 1.7 metres above the floor level
New roof lights or skylights will not normally require an application for planning permission providing:
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they do not protrude more than 150mm beyond the plane of the roof slope
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they are no higher than the highest part of the roof
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if they are in side elevation roof slope they must be obscure-glazed and either non opening or more than 1.7 metres above the floor level
TYPES OF EXTENSIONS
TYPES OF LOFT CONVERSIONS
LOFT CONVERSIONS
Converting the loft is one of the most cost-effective ways to add extra habitable space to a home. New rooms within the roof can benefit from sunlight for much of the day, make the most of any views, and can have tremendous character due to the interesting roof shape.
A loft conversion for your house is considered to be permitted development, not requiring an application for planning permission, subject to the following limits and conditions:
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A volume allowance of 40 cubic metres additional roof space for terraced houses*
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A volume allowance of 50 cubic metres additional roof space for detached and semi-detached houses*
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No extension beyond the plane of the existing roof slope of the principal elevation that fronts the highway
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No extension to be higher than the highest part of the roof
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Materials to be similar in appearance to the existing house
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No verandas, balconies or raised platforms
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Side-facing windows to be obscure-glazed; any opening to be 1.7m above the floor
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Roof extensions not to be permitted development in designated areas**
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Roof extensions, apart from hip to gable ones, to be set back, as far as practicable, at least 20cm from the original eaves
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The roof enlargement cannot overhang the outer face of the wall of the original house.
