Planning Permission for Loft Conversions

Do you require planning permission for a loft extension?

Requiring planning permission for a loft conversion can be determined by a few different factors:

• Is the property situated in a conservation area?
• Is the property listed?
• Does your area have its permitted development rights removed?
• Has your property been converted into flats?

If the answer is “Yes” to any of the above, you will require a planning application and will have to follow more specific guidelines when it comes to the design.

If no, the Loft Conversion can generally be carried out under Permitted Development. It is always worth checking with a professional (for example an architectural specalist or town planner) to see how your scheme may be affected.

Even under Permitted Development, there are certain requirements that you will need to be aware of to obtain your Lawful Development Certificate to get the go-ahead with your proposal.

Let’s have a look at some scenarios with A Loft Conversion that you may encounter and the best ways to navigate through these to avoid getting a refusal:

Scenario 1: Your Loft Conversion does not comply with the Permitted Development Policies and Guidelines.

As some background information, Permitted Development for a Loft Conversion is generally allowed as the government considers the development to have minimal impact on the surrounding area and neighbouring properties. (Please look at our previous articles covering Permitted Development for a more detailed understanding)

There are strict guidelines that a loft conversion must comply with under Permitted Development and it is always advised for you to apply for a Lawful Development Certificate.

The guidelines include:

• The volume of proposed development allows for 50m3 for detached and semi-detached properties and 40m3 for terraced houses
• The extension must be subordinate to the rest of the property (I.e) no higher than the highest point of the roof
• The extension must not cause any issues of overlooking (I.e) no balconies, raised areas or verandas and side facing windows to be obscure.
• Any openings must be 1.7m from floor level
• Materials must be in keeping with the existing
• Additions on the roof must be set back at a minimum of 200mm from the eaves of the existing roof

It goes without saying but always double-check that you can apply for PD before getting started. As mentioned previously, if your property is listed, situated within a conversation area or area of outstanding beauty you will have to apply for full planning and satisfy a different set of criteria.
Generally speaking, if your loft conversion does comply with the above guidelines, it is likely that you will have the go-ahead under permitted development.

If it doesn’t, this is where you will receive a refusal. Before starting the project, we always recommend you reading the criteria through carefully and consult with a professional who has worked with loft conversions and permitted development applications to help you out and avoid making any significant errors which could delay the scheme.

Scenario 2: Permitted Development does not cover your Loft Conversion

This situation will be highly likely if your property falls within a conservation area or is listed.

This also may be the case if your property has been converted into flats from a single dwelling or if the Council has removed your PD rights.
If this is the case, you will need to submit different applications and satisfy the criteria requested by the Council. Again, consulting with your Architectural Designer will help you understand if you can apply under PD rights or if not, how you would go about putting together a different type of application that is required.

Scenario 3: My Loft Conversion was refused under a different kind of application (not PD!)

Let’s say for this scenario your property is situated within a conservation area and you are looking to put together a proposal for a loft conversion.

Each Council has their own supplementary guidance for additions such as Loft Conversions and in this case, how they should be designed if situated within a conservation area. You should read through these very carefully from the outset of the project to avoid any disappointment down the line!
Situations where a loft conversion may be refused could include the following:

Too large in scale – The proposal should be subordinate to the rest of the property and should avoid being overbearing

Objections from Neighbours – If many objections have been received, the Council will take these into consideration and could lead to a refusal.
Detrimental impact on the conservation area – The Council may deem the proposal unsuitable if it has a negative impact on the character of the conservation area

Inappropriate design, use of materials or/and causes a loss of light.

The Council will expect a high-quality output from the proposal that demonstrates a Loft Conversion that is of an appropriate size, that does not detract from the local area, does not cause any issues for neighbouring properties and complies with the guidance set out in the supplementary documents.

Comments from neighbours will also play a big role in if you are successful or not in securing planning permission. When the application is submitted, your neighbours have an opportunity during the consultation period to comment on the application. The planning officer will take these comments into consideration if they are well justified and if they are related to scenarios such as the scale or loss of light as an example (and of course if they are appropriate!)

How do you go about designing a great loft extension?

We’ve seen above some fundamentals that could ruin your chances of going ahead with your loft extensions but how do you go about designing a great loft extension for your property?

As we have written in several of our articles, do your research, get inspired and consult a professional to help you even if it is just for planning advice.

Loft extensions can be tricky when trying to figure out the best way to maximise space, especially when working with a tricky head height.
Understand what you are trying to achieve – is this to accommodate a new bedroom or will this be for a new work from home space? Getting a clear understanding of the proposed use from the outset will help the design process drastically.

When adding a dormer to the Loft Conversion, it is especially important that you read your Local Council’s design guidelines to determine what would/would not be acceptable. It is also a good idea to see if there have been any similar projects in the area to help you prove your case to the Council.

Check the restrictions before going ahead. If your project requires householder planning, you will need to submit a detailed set of drawings and supplementary information if requested by the Council. If it does fall under P.D, you will still require drawings and should submit a Lawful Development Certificate.

Get yourself a well-drawn set of drawings and determine the minimum head height in the space. The minimum should be 2.3 metres especially if you are trying to achieve a habitable room such as a bedroom. If you do not have this height, you may need to rethink what you can achieve or double-check with your local council as to what will be considered acceptable.

If you have the headroom, be smart with the layout! A loft space can be quite tight and a clever layout can really optimise the space to create something quite beautiful.

Consider how you will access the space and the best position to put the stairs which will need to have enough headroom but will also not enter the space at an inappropriate location (taking up too much room!)

This leads us to our next point, think INTERIORS! As a loft space can be quite compact, we always recommend going with an interior design scheme that creates the warm and cosy factor but is also light and airy enough to make the space feel open. Beauty can be added in the details (think nice lights, accessories, roof lights, flooring etc.) but going for a dark colour palette may create a space that feels dingy and uninviting.

Playing with light is a great way to open up the space. Roof lights and dormer windows will allow natural light to seep into the area but also through artificial lighting, the space can be brought to life and create a perfect getaway in the property.

Of course, the advice above is a quick introduction into our design tips for a Loft Extension but there is way more to the design process. If you have any further questions, please feel free to drop the team at CDD a line and we will be happy to assist you with this project or any others that you may have in mind!

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