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There is often a great deal of discussion around loft conversions and planning permission. While it is true that not all loft conversions require planning permission, you will still need to be aware of permitted development i.e. what’s allowed and what isn’t. To give you a better idea, here’s a run through of loft conversions and permitted development; what you can do without planning permission.

Before we move on to permitted development, what’s allowed and what isn’t, it’s worth noting that regardless of whether you need planning permission or not, you will always need building regulations approval. This is as standard and is the case simply to ensure your loft conversion is built to safety standards and regulations. Please do not mistake not needing planning permission for not needing building regulations as these are very different things.

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Permitted Development – What Is permitted Development

A loft conversion is covered under permitted development, thus not requiring planning permission, when it comes within certain limits. This means there are specific conditions that must be met, however, this isn’t the case for every property. Here’s what you need to consider…

  • If a house is on designated land, it cannot complete a loft conversion under permitted development. Planning permission must be sought.
  • You must ensure the roof space does not exceed 40 cubic metres for terraced houses or 50 cubic metres for detached and semi-detached houses. You must also consider that this limitation applies to any additional loft space created previously to your loft conversion also – regardless of whether this was by a previous owner or yourself. 
  • You must also ensure that any attic conversion or extension does not go beyond the plane of the existing roof slope that fronts the highway.
  • All loft conversion materials used must be similar in appearance to the ones in existence on the house at the time.

Wait, There’s More

  • You must also ensure that the extension is no higher than the very highest part of the roof currently. 
  • Verandas, balconies and other raised platforms may not form any part of your loft conversion either. 
  • Any and all side-facing windows must be completely glazed and non-opening unless they’re more than 1.7 metres above floor level.
  • All loft conversions, apart from hip to gable designs, are to be set back as far as possible, at least 20cm from the original eaves and it cannot overhang the outer face of the original house on any side of the property.

While having work carried out on your house without planning permission may initially save time and money, it’s worth considering whether the limitations you face will be worth compromising on the end result.

Contact Clapham Construction Service Today

If you’d like more information on loft conversions without planning permission, or would like to book one of our free, no-obligation consultations, please don’t hesitate to contact us today on 0203 950 7957. Our team of loft conversion specialists will be only too happy to help answer any questions you may have and steer you in the right direction – toward your dream loft conversion.