Loft conversions have become increasingly popular in recent years. Many homeowners are considering loft conversions as a way of obtaining a home with more space, but without the hassle, stress, and cost of moving house. Conversions will not only add more space to your home, but will also add to the value of your property. Another bonus is that relative to other building projects, it is reasonably easy and seamless.

If you are considering a loft conversion, you might be asking: do I need planning permission for the project? The answer is that it depends on your specific loft conversion plans. Sometimes your loft conversion plans can be achieved under the permitted development (PD) scheme. But for other plans, you will need to submit a planning permission application to your local authority.

What are Permitted Development Rights?

Permitted development rights (PD) is general planning permission that is granted by Parliament rather than a specific local authority. With PD, you are able to carry out certain types of projects without having to apply for planning permission.

However, PD rights apply only to common projects for houses, rather than maisonettes, flats, or other types of buildings. So if you are considering a loft conversion, but do not live in a house, you are unable to rely on PD. 

Furthermore, there are a series of other caveats to PD. For example if you live in a designated area, PD rights can be more restricted. These designated areas include:

• Conservation Areas

• World Heritage Sites

• Areas of outstanding natural beauty (AONBs)

• Norfolk or Suffolk Broads

• You live in a listed building

Furthermore, although PD covers a whole range of potential projects, local planning authorities are able to issue what’s known as Article 4 directions. These take away some of your PD rights and mean that you will have to apply for planning permission for work that may not usually need it.

Before you undertake any loft conversion, be sure to understand whether you are able to undertake the project under PD, or if you will need to apply for planning permission. The easiest way to do so is to check with your local authority. Failure to check may affect the cost and timeline of your loft conversion. 

What Loft Conversion Can I Have under PD?

If you are able to undertake your London loft conversion under PD, then that can save a lot of hassle and paperwork. However it is important to understand that there are several conditions that apply to loft conversions if you are using permitted development rights. 

• Verandas, balconies and raised platforms are not PD.

• The volume of the enlargement is not allowed to exceed the original roof space by more than 40m for a terrace house or 50m for any other type of home. 

• The enlargement cannot exceed the height of the existing roof.

• On the principal elevation of the house, it cannot extend beyond the existing roof slope

• Materials used should be similar in appearance to the existing house.

What if I Need Planning Permission for My Loft Conversion?

Just because your loft conversion cannot take place under PD does not mean that you cannot have the new space that you need. However if you cannot undertake your project using PD, you will then need to apply for, and gain, planning permission.

To get planning permission for your loft conversion, you will have to submit a planning application. It must be completed on a standard form. You are able to apply to every local authority in England through this planning portal. Alternatively you can print off the form and send it to your local authority. 

Any application for planning permission for a loft conversion will need supplementary information alongside the form. This information includes the site plans, other supporting documentation and the fee.

You will be notified once the application has reached your local authority. The application will then be subject to the time scale of the local authority. 

It is important to note that you personally do not have to apply for planning permission. If you are employing an architect for your project, they are able to apply. Any loft conversion company or builder is also able to apply for permission on your behalf.