Loft conversions

Planning permission for loft conversions is not normally needed unless you extend or alter the roof space and it exceeds specified limits and conditions.

Here are some limits and conditions you must meet in order for your loft conversion to be a permitted development:

  1. If you live in a terraced house, the volume allowance you have is 40 cubic metres;
  2. If you live in a semi-detached house, the volume allowance you have is 50 cubic metres;
  3. Your loft conversion cannot extend beyond the plane of the existing roof slope of the principal elevation that fronts the highway;
  4. Your loft conversion cannot be higher than the higher part of your existing roof;
  5. You must use materials that are similar to the existing house;
  6. You are not allowed any verandas, balconies or raised platforms as part of your extension;
  7. Side-facing windows must be obscure-glazed and any opening should be 1.7m above the floor;
  8. Loft conversions are not a permitted development if you live in a designated area such as an area of conservation, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty or other such places;
  9. Loft conversions, apart from hip-to-gable ones need to be set back, as far as practical, or at least 20cm from the eaves.


Source: planningportal.gov.uk

The information contained within this article is strictly for guidance only. Rated People recommends that you always check current sources of information in case regulations have changed. Rated People cannot accept any liability for miscommunication of the law in the case of a change in regulation or any action done to a property based on the information held in this article. Rated People © 2011.