Depending on the finished volume of your loft conversion and any extensions you will want us to make to your home’s existing roof, there are a couple of factors to consider in whether you will require planning permission. However, all loft conversions will require building regulation approval.
Do I need planning permission for a loft conversion?
Your loft conversion may not require planning permission from your local authority if:
- It will not exceed a volume of 40 cubic metres if your home is a terrace or 50 cubic metres if your home is detached or semi-detached.
- It will not extend beyond your home’s roof plane on the side of a highway.
- No part of the conversion will be above the highest part of your existing roof.
- Any roof extensions, apart from hip to gable ones, will be set back as far as feasible and at least 0.2 metres from your eaves.
- You will not specify any verandas, balconies or raised platforms.
- The external façade will match that of your existing home.
- All side facing windows will contain obscure glazing and any openings will be at least 1.7 metres above the finished floor level.
Do I need building regulations approval for a loft conversion?
All loft conversions, where a liveable space is being created, will require building regulations approval from your local authority.
You should also consider that if you are wanting to lay floor boards over your existing ceiling joists in your loft space, to create a ‘store room’ for example, then you may also require building regulation approval. Remember, ceiling joists are not designed to support any significant loads and could fail if overloaded!