THE ULTIMATE LOFT CONVERSION GUIDE

Whether you plan on converting your loft into a bedroom, study, or new bathroom, you’ll need to consider which area of planning your project falls under. Most houses will come with an allowance for permitted development, which means that you can go ahead with your conversion without planning permission. However, if you live in a conservation area, or if, for example, your roof space isn’t tall enough, it may be more complicated. Undertaking work without proper planning in place is a serious offence, and can result in fines, or even the demolition of the work undertaken. So it pays to know what’s what!

Permitted development rights were introduced as a way to make is easy for homeowners to complete small scale home projects without the need for planning. Now there is a catch to them, namely that you have to follow a strict set of guidelines when converting your loft.

Loft conversions fall into your permitted development rights if they follow these conditions:

*Bear in mind that any previous roof space additions must be included within the volume allowances listed above. Although you may not have created additional space a previous owner may have done so.

**Designated areas include national parks and the Broads, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, conservation areas and World Heritage Sites.

It’s also worth noting that not all homes qualify for permitted development. Flats and maisonette are automatically excluded from the scheme, likewise are homes located in conservation areas, or ones classed as listed buildings.

If your proposed conversion falls within permitted development, legally there’s no paperwork you need to obtain in order to go ahead.

However, we recommend all homeowners apply for a Lawful Development Certificate regardless. The certificate proves your build was approved by your local authority prior to construction. This protects you in the event the rules around permitted development change, as you can prove your construction was built legally at the time. Future home buyers will also be reassured by this documentation.

Not eligible for permitted development? Don’t worry, though planning has a bad reputation, it can be a seamless process, if you have the right architect by your side.

If this is your first project, we recommend enlisting an architect to not only draw up designs for your new room, but to also act as your planning agent. This means they’ll package up your project correctly, and liaise with the local authority on your behalf. Not only will this protect you from common planning mistakes, they’ll be able to make any quick changes to your design, should the council suggest these are needed to get approval first time round.

Facts about planning permission…

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