• Loft Conversion Planning Permission Main

    Planning Permission

    Does your proposed loft conversion require planning permission? Let us provide clarity...

Loft Conversions - Planning Permission

Planning a loft conversion can feel like a mammoth project, not to mention a huge investment - hopefully the information below will make the task of gaining planning permission a lot less daunting.

Planning permission is not normally required for a loft conversion; the Local Planning Authority would usually consider these works to be covered under permitted development.

In addition to the conditions listed below any loft conversion will need to follow Building Regs to ensure: the structural strength of the new floor is sufficient; the structure including the existing roof is stable; there is a safe means of escape in the event of fire and that there is reasonable sound insulation between the conversion and the rooms below.

The non-requirement of planning permission would be subject to the following conditions:

  • There is a volume allowance of 40 cubic metres additional roof space for terrace houses and previous roof space additions must be included. Please be aware that a previous owner may have already created additional space.
  • There is a volume allowance of 50 cubic metres additional roof space for detached and semi detached houses. Again previous roof space additions must be included.
  • The extension should not protrude beyond the plane of the existing roof slope of the principal elevation that fronts the highway.
  • The extension should not be higher than the highest part of the roof.
  • Materials should be in keeping with the existing house.
  • No verandas, balconies or raised platforms are allowed.
  • Side facing windows should be obscure-glazed and any opening requires being 1.7m above the floor.
  • Roof extensions within designated areas (Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty) are not covered under permitted development.
  • Roof extensions should be set back as far as possible (apart from hip to gable ones), to be at least 20cm from the original eaves.

Expert Tip - Loft Insulation

"Insultaion must meet the minimum energy efficiency values set out in the Approved Document L1B of the Building Regulations and will require the thermal insulation of the loft area to be upgraded to a reasonable standard. If your existing attic space sits outside of the accepted U-value threshold you will be expected to upgrade the thermal envelope to achieve 0.16W/m2k where feasible."

Loft Conversion Bathroom


Important:

Permitted development allowances described above apply to houses, not flats, maisonettes or other buildings. Be sure to check with your Local Planning Authority whether permitted development rights apply as they may have been removed. Additional consents may be required if your property is listed or in a designated area.

Why Choose Extra Room?

Our Staff

This is exactly what it means; our staff are the only people who are involved in your project. Extra Room Ltd does not sub-contract your project out to other contractors.

All operatives are employed by Extra Room Ltd we are always contactable by phone and email to deal with any queries or questions that may arise. All of our operatives have an Extra Room Ltd uniform and identification badge so that they are instantly recognisable.

Site Rules

We have very strict guide lines for all projects, all staff must wear the Extra Room Ltd uniform and personal protection whilst at work i.e. boots, high visibility jackets and safety helmets where necessary.

There is a no smoking policy at work and where possible we will provide a discrete portable toilet facility so that your home stays your home with no intrusion. No radios are to be played on your project. We understand that whilst your project is being completed this should not intrude upon your neighbours who are already being submitted to the noise of building works.

Management

Extra Room Ltd provides a full time Project Manager who will be involved from the very start of the project until completion, he will provide all certificates and completion certificates which will then be held in a project file and presented to you at the end. They will also ensure that all site rules are followed and report directly to the Director of the company.

Unrivalled Guarantee

All structural works come with a 10 year no quibble guarantee, of which upon completion of your project you will receive a certificate of guarantee. All other works i.e. plumbing and electrics will come with a standard 2 year guarantee.

No Hidden Costs

Once we have surveyed your project, a quotation with a complete breakdown of costs will be presented to you. This break down will be individually priced so that you can clearly see where your budget will be spent and if at any time you would like to remove an item you will instantly know what the saving will be.

In the event that you decide that you would like to add additional works, these additions will be separately quoted and an instruction sheet issued that yourself and the Project Manager will both sign so that there is no hidden costs and you are in control of your budget at all times.

Peace of Mind

Before any works commence, Extra Room Ltd will provide you with a break down sheet of all the works to be completed within your project. This includes an empty box at the end of the description, yourself and the Project Manager will go through this sheet and check that you are completely satisfied with the completed works and then tick the box together. At this point you will only have ever paid for works that are fully completed and you will not be asked to pay any monies upfront or before the works are complete.

Further Information for Loft Conversions

Selected Projects – View All Projects »