Do I need planning permission for my loft conversion?
There are two basic types of loft conversions - a "roofline" conversion, and a "dormer" conversion with many variations of the latter.
"Roofline" loft conversions
With this type of conversion, we would create a room/rooms within the existing shape of the roof at present using Velux windows for light and ventilation. With this type of conversion, we would not extend or alter the existing shape of the roof at present.
Normally, planning permission is not required for this type of conversion. However, a full set of Architect's plans would be necessary along with the designs of a Structural Engineer and subsequent calculations to verify designs. This will be necessary to justify all current building regulations.
However, if your property is in a conservation area, there may be restrictions on the design and shape of the Velux windows to be installed. A planning advisor from Luxus Lofts will be more than happy to identify whether your property is in a conservation area or not.
"Dormer" loft conversions
Dormer's have been referred to in many different ways, Dormer windows, Dormer extensions, roof extensions, attic extensions.
A brief description of a Dormer would be an extension of an existing roof shape. Consider a most typical terraced property/town house where the roof would start at the gutters at the front of the house rising to the Apex, the ridge in the centre of the house, then falling again down to the gutters at the back of the house. This most typical roof shape does not usually produce a substantial habitable room, unless the house is unusually large. So with this type of roof structure, it would be advisable to extend the roof and create a Dormer (usually to the rear of the property.)
The size, shape and general design of this or any other Dormer can vary greatly. This type of conversion may also not require planning permission. Householders have what is known as a permitted development allowance. This permitted development allowance is usually measured in cubic metres. The amount allowed (cubic metres) varies from property to property. Generally, the allowance would be between 50 and 70 cubic metres or 20% of the overall volume of the property.
A Surveyor from Luxus Loft Conversions can easily calculate the required volume for any dormer and whether or not this would fall within permitted development rights. Please note, there are further guidelines whilst trying to identify if your project would be allowed under permitted development rights. These are;
- No part of the new structure must rise any higher than the existing highest part of the roof at present (usually the ridge line.)
- Looking down on a plan, no part of this new structure must exceed the current floor plan boundary.
- The property must not be in a conservation area.
Again, as per roof line conversions, even if planning permission is not required, Architect's plans along with Structural Engineers calculations will be necessary to conform and to comply with the current building regulations.
If you are in any doubt whether your proposed project would require planning permission please do not hesitate to contact one of the Surveyor's at Luxus Loft Conversions. Either telephone us on free phone 0844 800 4165 or e-mail survey@luxuslofts.co.uk.
Planning for Loft Conversions
A loft conversion for your house is considered to be permitted development, not requiring an application for planning permission, provided certain limits and conditions are met. To find out what these are please download the PDF below provided by the Government Planning Portal.
© 2007 Luxus Loft Conversions. All rights reserved.