A loft conversion is a popular way to increase your living space without the need for an extension.
That being said:
It’s important to consider planning permission requirements before embarking on a loft conversion project.
The question is:
Do I need planning permission for a loft conversion in the UK?
At Good Build Superstore, we decided to take a closer look at the particulars.
Here’s what we’re going to cover.
Table of contents:
Loft conversion planning permission conditions
In general, a loft conversion falls under permitted development rights, which means that you don’t need planning permission so long as certain conditions are met.
Permitted development rights apply to properties that are not in a conservation area, national park, Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty or World Heritage Site.
According to the Planning Portal, the conditions for a loft conversion to fall under permitted development are as follows:
✅The volume of the additional roof space must not exceed 50 cubic metres for terraced houses or 40 cubic metres for semi-detached or detached houses.
✅ The materials used for the conversion should be similar in appearance to the existing property.
✅ Side-facing windows should be obscured and non-opening, or 1.7 metres above the floor level.
✅ The roof extension must not overhang the outer face of the original house wall.
✅ The loft conversion should not result in the creation of a raised platform or balcony.
If the loft conversion doesn’t meet these conditions, you’ll have to obtain planning permission. This is particularly relevant for properties in a conservation area, where planning permission will be needed even if the loft conversion falls under permitted development.
What is permitted development?
Permitted development refers to certain building projects that can be carried out without the need to apply for and obtain planning permission from your local planning authority. Permitted development rights are granted by the government and are designed to allow minor building works to be carried out more quickly and easily.
Specifically, permitted development rights can apply to a wide range of building projects, including small-scale extensions, loft conversions, garage conversions and the installation of solar panels or satellite dishes. However, it’s important to note that not all building works fall under permitted development, and some projects may still require planning permission.
The particular conditions for permitted development rights can vary depending on the type of project and the location of the property. It’s also worth noting that if your property has already used up its permitted development rights, you may need to apply for planning permission for further building works.
It’s important to check whether your proposed building project falls under permitted development rights or requires planning permission.
The good news is:
Your local planning authority can provide guidance on this. In addition, it’s always a good idea to consult with an architect or builder who is familiar with the relevant planning regulations.
Keep in mind that failure to obtain the correct permissions could result in legal action, costly fines or even having to undo the building work. And that’s the last thing you want.
When applying for planning permission for a loft conversion, you should consider factors such as the height of the proposed conversion, the impact on the surrounding area and any potential loss of privacy for neighbouring properties.
But that’s not all:
The local planning authority will also consider the impact on the character and appearance of the property and the surrounding area.
Final thoughts
In summary, a loft conversion typically falls under permitted development rights, which means that planning permission is not required in certain circumstances.
However, it’s vital that you check the specific conditions that apply to your property, particularly if it’s in a conservation area.
The bottom line is:
If planning permission is required, you’ll need to carefully consider the impact of the proposed conversion on the surrounding area and to ensure that the relevant planning regulations are followed.