What is "permitted development"?
Under regulations which came into effect on 1 October 2008, a loft conversion for most houses does not require planning permission. It is considered to be "permitted development". This is subject to the following limits and conditions
:
- A volume allowance of 40 cubic metres additional roof space for
terraced houses*
- A volume allowance of 50 cubic metres additional roof space for
detached and semi-detached houses*
- No extension beyond the plane of the existing roof slope of the
principal elevation that fronts the highway
- No extension to be higher than the highest part of the roof
- Materials to be similar in appearance to the existing house
- No verandas, balconies or raised platforms
- Side-facing windows to be obscure-glazed; any opening
to be 1.7 metres above the floor
- Roof extensions not to be permitted development in designated areas**
- Roof extensions, apart from hip to gable ones, to be
set back, as far as practicable, at least 20 centimetres
from the eaves
Notes
* 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.
Please also note: the permitted development allowances described here
apply to houses not flats, maisonettes or other buildings.
Further information
For further information on building regulations or planning
permission issues relating to loft conversions,
please don't hesitate to call us on 0844
815 9334 (Lo-call) or email enquiries@purelofts.co.uk.
