Loft Conversions - Planning Permission
Planning permission is not normally required for a loft conversion. However, permission is required where you extend or alter the roof space and it exceeds specified limits and conditions. A loft conversion for your house is considered to be permitted development, not requiring an application for planning permission (building regulations are still required), 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.
Building regulations approval is required to convert a loft or attic into a liveable space.
Requirements for alterations to an apartment or other dwellings like maisonettes, or houses over three storeys, will be similar but could be more extensive and possibly extend to other parts of the building.
The regulations will be applied to ensure, for example:
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the structural strength of the new floor is sufficient
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the stability of the structure (including the existing roof) is not endangered
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safe escape from fire
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safely designed stairs to the new floor
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reasonable sound insulation between the conversion and the rooms below.
For further information call us in the office on: 01282 451428