Since the new changes to the planning law in Oct 2008, most loft conversions do not require planning permission.

 

However, if your property falls within the following list of categories, planning permission may be required:

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• Your property is a flat.

• The existing ridgeline to your roof needs to be raised.

• The slope or any part of the roof which faces a highway is to be altered.

• The proposed loft conversion exceeds 40 cubic meters in the case of a terraced house or 50 cubic meters in any other case (this is volume added externally with dormers etc).

• The building is listed or of special architectural or historic interest.

• The property is situated in a conservation area.

• The permitted development rights of your property are restricted by conditions attached to previous planning permissions or your property deeds.

• An “Article 4 Direction” covers the building. Article 4 Directions are issued by the Council in circumstances where specific control over development is required, primarily where the character of an area of acknowledged importance would be threatened. They are therefore more commonly applied to conservation areas. Such Directions are usually applied over an area rather than an individual property and are registered as a Local Land Charge so that you will normally be aware of their existence. This can be checked with your Council.

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