Emily Rivers
Loft conversions are a fantastic way of extending your home, as well as adding value to your property. There are lots of types of loft conversions. The most suitable style of conversion will depend on your house. Some types are only suitable for homes with certain types of roof. You can build some loft conversions under permitted development rights. This means you will not need to apply for planning permission. There are restrictions on the size and style of loft conversions that are covered by permitted development rights. This article has information about these restrictions, as well as how planning permission affects loft conversions.
What is planning permission?
Planning permission is a system which controls the building work in an area. For some home improvement work, you have to apply to your local authority for permission. The local authority will then check that the work is suitable for the area. They take lots of different factors into account when deciding this. Some types of building work are protected by permitted development rights. This means that they can be carried out without having to apply for planning permission.
Permitted development rights
Loft conversions are covered by permitted development rights as long as they meet the following criteria:
- For terraced houses, the loft conversion must have a volume of less than 40 cubic metres
- For detached and semi-detached houses, the loft conversion must have a volume of less than 50 cubic metres
- Loft conversions cannot extend beyond the plane of the existing roof slope on the front of the property
- The loft conversion cannot extend higher than the highest point of the roof
- The materials used must be similar in appearance to the existing house
- No balconies, verandas or raised platforms
- Windows to the side of the property must be higher than 1.7 metres from the floor and obscure glazed
- Roof extensions such as dormers must be set back from the original eaves as far as practicable, at least 20cm
- The loft conversion cannot overhang the outer face of the existing wall
Be aware that any pre-existing loft conversions will usually count as part of these space allowances. This applies even if previous owners of the property carried out the work.
If your loft conversion does not meet all these criteria, you will need to apply for planning permission. Applying for planning permission is inexpensive, and the majority of applications are approved.
Listed buildings and conservation areas
If you are planning a loft conversion in a listed building or a conservation area, you will usually need to apply for planning permission and listed building consent. It’s best to get advice from the local authority or conservation office. Also, specialist loft conversion companies who have experience working in these areas will be able to offer you advice. There may be restrictions on the type or size of the loft conversion that you would like. However, these restrictions will vary depending on your local area.
Protected species
In some cases, a loft conversion may disturb protected species such as bats. If this is the case, you may need a specialist survey to assess any possible impact. If there is likely to be an impact to protected species, this may affect the planning permission application. You may even need a special license to carry out the work. If you suspect you have bats or other protected species in your loft, speak to a specialist company. The Bat Conservation Trust website has advice about how bats may affect your loft conversion.
If you’re not sure how the planning permission rules may affect your loft conversion, ask your local authority for advice. They can offer you advice about how the planning permission system works in your local area.
