Method's Quick Guide to Loft Conversions
We at Method Studio Architects are experienced at finding more space for your expanding needs and family. We have various extension solutions to make your house spacious and comfortable. If you are looking for loft conversions, refurbishments, renovations or extensions, look no further as we are the best in the market. This article is a mini guide to help you quickly familiarise yourself with what you can do for a loft conversion under the Permitted Development rules.
What can I do for my loft conversion under a Permitted Development application?
Loft conversions on designated land (e.g. national park, area of outstanding beauty, conservation area, world heritage area) are not allowed under Permitted Development
Additional roof space or loft conversion must not exceed 40 cubic meters for terraced houses and 50 cubic meters for detached and semi-detached houses. Any previous roof space must be included in this volume allowance
You can only do side and rear loft extensions, not to the front elevation
Materials on your loft conversion must be the same or similar as your existing house
The roof of your loft conversion cannot be higher than the highest part of your existing roof
Sorry guys, no balconies are allowed under Permitted Development. But you can have a Juliet balcony!
Side facing windows must be obscured - so your neighbours can’t peep in. Any opening parts need to be 1.7m above the floor level of the room inside
Apart from hip to gable extensions, any roof extension needs to be recessed 200mm from the original eaves. The extension can’t extend past the outer face of the wall of the original house
If there is evidence of a protected species found, such as bats, you will need to get a survey by an ecologist - this can only be done in specific times of the year so bear that in mind. A licence may be required to undergo the works
You will still need Building Regulations approval for this type of work - check out our article on BUILDING REGULATIONS for what these entail. These drawings will need to be checked and signed off by a Building Control officer, so please also read our article on BUILDING CONTROL. In order to crack on with your works on site you do not need a Permitted Development certificate, however we always encourage you to get this certificate beforehand - this helps to avoid any changes your Local Authority may request and thus avoid any costly surprises.
What are some examples of Permitted Development projects?
Method have produced some fantastic loft conversions for our clients. Although most can be quite straightforward applications some have a tricky detail or restriction we have had to carefully design for. Please see the links below for some excellent examples of lovely conversions that have given our clients the much needed extra space!
Remember, if you wish to go bigger than these Permitted Development guidelines then you can apply for a Householder Planning submission. Method Studio are experienced in submitting a combination of submissions as well. If you wish to combine a loft conversion with an extension and internal reconfigurations we are here to help navigate the best option for you. Get in touch with our team today!