Do Loft Conversions Require Planning Permission?

Converting your existing loft space is a great way of unlocking the hidden potential of your home, transforming a disused storage area into a modern, functional living space. Loft conversions can take many forms: from bedrooms to play areas, offices to reading rooms.

However you choose to upgrade your loft, undertaking this renovation also has significant knock-on benefits for your future! Loft conversions can add up to 20% to your home’s resale value should you decide to move further down the line.

With all these advantages, deciding to convert your loft is a no-brainer. Deciding how you’re going to go about it, on the other hand, is a bit trickier, particularly if you’ve never been involved in a home transformation before.

Refresh Interiors have completed many a loft conversion over the last twelve years, and have put together this handy guide to the planning permissions and building regulations you need to be aware of before making the most of your underutilised loft space.

Loft conversion planning permission

In most cases, you won’t need to apply for formal planning permission to complete your loft conversion. Most loft conversions are classed as permitted developments, provided they meet certain conditions:

  • The total volume of additions is less than 50 cubic metres for a detached house, or 40 cubic metres for a terraced house.
  • The conversion does not extend beyond the plane of the existing roof slope
  • It does not extend higher than the highest part of the roof.
  • There are no verandas, balconies or raised platforms involved in the project
  • Materials used are similar in appearance to the existing house
  • Side-facing windows are obscure-glazed to stop people seeing in
  • Other extensions, such as dormer windows, are set at least 20cm back from the original eaves

If your loft extension does not meet these conditions, it will not be classed as a permitted development and you will need to apply for full planning permission. Your builder or architect will confirm whether or not you meet all the conditions. If necessary, you can apply for planning permission online through the government’s Planning Portal.

Loft conversion building regulations

Whether your loft conversion is classed as a permitted development or not, it will require Building Regulations approval before work can begin. These ensure that your project meets structural, safety and practicality guidelines that protect you, your neighbours and anyone working on the site. Some things that Building Regulations are designed to ensure are:

  • The structural integrity of the new floor
  • The stability of the loft conversion
  • Fire safety, particularly safe escape routes
  • The safety of stairs to the new floor
  • Sound insulation between the loft conversion and the rest of the house

Building Regulations approval will be done either through your local authority or by a government-approved private inspection company.

Experienced loft conversion specialists

Refresh Interiors have been carrying out loft conversions across Hertfordshire, Essex, Cambridgeshire and North London for more than 12 years. We are loft conversion specialists who use only highly-skilled staff and the best available materials to realise your dream space.

Everything is project managed from start to finish by a director, who will also liaise with your local authority and get any necessary Building Regulations or loft conversion planning permission required. Get in touch with Refresh Interiors today to arrange a free, no-obligation loft assessment and quote.