Planning permission
Loft Conversions Planning Permission
Planning permission is concerned with all work that is carried out external to the original house structure. Not all changes to your house need planning permission however, as there are many renovations and amendments that are covered by the rights for 'Permitted Development'.
For more information relating to loft conversions visit the Government Planning Portal by clicking on the links below:
- Planning Portal - Loft Conversion
- Planning Portal - House Guide
- Planning Portal - Certificate of Law
Loft Conversion Permitted Development
Not all properties are covered by the rules of permitted development. Properties not covered include those in heritage and conservation areas and areas of outstanding natural beauty. Also, some areas have had their permitted development rights removed by their local authority. For more information please call Absolute Lofts or your local council to see if your loft conversion will be allowed under permitted development or if you need planning permission.
The rules for permitted development, when applied to loft conversions, are briefly set out below:
You cannot have any part of your dwelling exceed the height of the highest part of the existing roof.
No part of your dwelling can, as a result of the works, exceed beyond the plane of any existing roof slope that fronts a highway (highways are an ill-defined term but include all public roads and most footpaths, bridleways and byways).
Your loft cannot expand your dwelling beyond 40 cubic metres in the case of a terraced house, or 50 cubic metres in any other case (eg semi-detached house).
If your planned loft conversion or house extension isn't covered by permitted development, you will need to apply to council for planning permission. Absolute Lofts will make all applications to your local council on your behalf. You will have to pay a fee, which may vary depending on which local authority your property is in.
Lawful Development Certificates
If you want to be certain that the existing use of a building is lawful for planning purposes or that your proposal does not require planning permission you can apply for a "Lawful Development Certificate" (LDC).
It is not compulsory to have an LDC but there may be times when you need one to confirm that the use, operation or activity named in it is lawful for planning control purposes.
Absolute Lofts will make all applications to your local council for an LDC on your behalf. You will have to pay a fee, which is noramlly £75.
