Do I need planning permission for a loft conversion?

For many people, a loft conversion will be the first taste of building or development work that they may have an involvement with. This may lead you to ask yourself “Do I need planning permission for a loft conversion?”.

In this article, I’ll try and answer that question although the answer will vary depending on your circumstances.

Many people add a loft conversion to their property. The reasons for adding a loft conversion include the following –

• Growing families and the need for additional bedrooms
• Adding a home office
• Simply adding value to the property

Loft Conversions under permitted development

So, do you need planning permission for a loft conversion?

For the most part, the answer is no.

If you are planning on adding a loft conversion to your property it is often covered by permitted development.

You can learn more about permitted development by reading Planning Permission vs. Permitted Development

To be considered permitted development the loft conversion should adhere to the following criteria – 

• Materials used must be in keeping with the existing house
• The volume of the additional space created must not exceed 50 cubic meters for terraced houses and 40 cubic meters for semi-detached and detached houses.
• The loft conversion must not extend beyond the plane of the existing roof slope at the front of the house.
• Any dormer windows must be set back at least 20cm from the eaves.
• Any roof enlargement cannot overhang the outer face of the wall of the original house.

As a general rule, if your loft development plans adhere to the above points, generally you won’t require planning permission and the permitted development rules will apply.

When you will need planning permission

There are a few situations, however, where planning permission will be required for a loft conversion. These include –

• If your property is in a conservation area or is a listed building.
• If your loft conversion extends beyond the plane of the existing roof slope at the front of the house.
• If your loft conversion creates a balcony, veranda, or raised platform.
• If your loft conversion includes a dormer window that faces the highway (i.e. the street outside your house).
• If your loft conversion is going to significantly alter the appearance of your property.

If any of the above points apply to your development project, then you would have to apply for planning permission from the Local Planning Authority.

Loft conversions, like all building projects, can contain their own unique issues. If you are unsure about your loft conversion project and whether it falls under the banner of permitted development or planning permission or for any other enquiries, please get in touch and Simple Planning Solutions can advise on the most efficient way to proceed with your development plans.

Featured image courtesy of Proficiency Design & Build licensed under CC by 2.0