Nowadays there’s a real focus on improving your current home rather than relocating, mainly due to the cost of the latter. As such, the emphasis is on converting wasted space or investing in an extension.
Extensions are popular as they provide valuable space for whatever your needs, but why waste time going outwards, when instead you can convert the space in your home. In this regard, the loft is a fantastic area with large space.
But if you’re considering converting your loft, do you know about the planning permission regulations and what to do about them?
If not, it’s best to take a look at our quick guide below.
Loft conversion planning permission
As loft conversions fall under permitted development, like many conservatories, you may not need permission.
That’s the case unless you are planning to extend the roof space with:
- A dormer loft conversion
- A mansard loft conversion
- A hip to gable loft conversion
A roof extension will be rejected if your property is in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, a conservation area, World Heritage Site, National Park or is a listed building.
If your property does not fall into any of the above categories, you’ll be able to extend the roof. As always you need to speak to a local planning officer to confirm your plans. However, as long as your conversion meets the criteria below, you should be fine:
- The roof isn’t extended by more than 40 cubic metres if you live in a terraced house, or 50 for a semi-detached property
- The highest part of the extension is not higher than the original roof
- Building materials match the original house
- The extension does not include any balconies, raised platforms or verandas
- Any side facing windows in your conversion are obscure-glazed and open at least 1.7 metres above the floor
If you’re unsure, or you know your loft conversion plans don’t meet the criteria outlined above, then you will need to seek planning permission. In England this will cost around £150 and the process could take eight weeks to complete.
Our loft conversion cost guide has full information on the typical price you would expect to pay for a loft conversion in your home.
Building Regulations
Regardless of whether or not you need to apply for planning permission, your loft conversion will always need to adhere with Building Regulations. Building Regulations cover a number of aspects in any construction such as safety, ventilation and fire hazards.
Any professional loft conversion company will be able to adhere to all Building Regulations and will know the terms inside out, so you rarely have anything to worry about. They’ll often complete the paperwork too so you know your conversion has been signed off and approved by the local council.
This is always a great question to ask any prospective company you speak with. Make sure they are clued up on Building Regulations and will be able to ensure you don’t have to do any extra work.