Planning permission is not normally required for a loft conversion if you are not extending or altering the current roof space, or exceeding specified limits and conditions.
Limit & Conditions:
Subject to the following limit and conditions*, your loft conversion is considered to be a permitted development and as such will not need planning permission:
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Volume allowance of 40 cubic metres additional roof space for terraced houses
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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.
It is also worth noting that the above conditions only apply to houses and not to the following:
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Flats and maisonettes (view our guidance on flats and maisonettes)
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Converted houses or houses created through the permitted development rights to change use (as detailed in our change of use section)
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Other buildings
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Areas where there may be a planning condition, Article 4 Direction or other restriction that limits permitted development rights.
The above information was sourced from the Planning Portal, a joint venture between the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government and TerraQuest Ltd.
Can Loft Centre Help?
Loft Centre provides access solutions to loft spaces and conversions, selling only the best quality loft ladders, stairs and hatches. If you’ve recently converted your loft, or are looking for a safer access solution than your current set-up, why not browse our full range of ladders, or contact our friendly sales team by email or phone to discuss your specific requirements.
*Source - https://www.planningportal.co.uk/permission/common-projects/loft-conversion/planning-permission (3rd July 2015)