Planning Requirements for Loft Conversions
The majority of loft conversions do not require planning permission. Since 1st October 2008 planning conditions have been relaxed, which means loft conversions are now considered to be permitted development providing certain criteria are met. Planning permission is not required for a loft conversion if it falls within the following conditions:
- Volume allowance of 40 cubic metres for terraced houses
- Volume allowance of 50 cubic metres for detached & semi-detached houses
- No extension beyond the plane of the existing roof slope of the principal elevation that fronts the highway
- No extension to be higher than the highest part of the roof
- Materials to be similar in appearance to the existing house
- No verandas, balconies or raised platforms
- Side-facing windows to be obscure-glazed; any opening to be 1.7m above the floor
- Roof extensions, apart from hip to gable ones, to be set back, as far as practicable, at least 20cm from the eaves
- Roof extensions not to be permitted development in designated areas (national parks and the Broads, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, conservation areas and World Heritage Sites)
Further information can be obtained from the Planning Portal website.
Building Regulations for Loft Conversions
All loft conversions will need to satisfy the building regulations. In order to obtain building regulations approval for a loft conversion, it is necessary to demonstrate the following issues:
- Stability of the existing roofs structure and walls
- Structural design of domestic floor space or storage space
- Design of suitable staircase
- Safe escape from fire
- The loft is adequately insulated both for sound and heat transfer
Further elements will be required but is dependent on the choice of room type within the conversion; for example, drainage elements will need to be considered if the loft conversion includes a new bathroom. Further information can be obtained from the Planning Portal website.
Our loft conversion designs satisfy all Building Regulation approval required for each project we undertake.
