do i need planning permission?

Question

I would like to build a proper staircase from my landing to my loft do i need planning permission to do this. I am not using the loft as a bedroom more of a playroom for the time being

Answer 1

As an Architect, I can say no you dont need planning assumeing the building isnt listed. If you decide to start putting windows into the roof space then maybe, depending what type of window and direction they are facing. You will NOT need building regulation approval either if you are only putting in a new staircase.

Hope this helps.

Answer 2

YES, a standard loft when converted into a room requires reinforcing and staircases are required under building res (health and safety). You can get free advice from council, remember, house insurance does not cover unauthorised convert ion and after all a safe playroom is the top of your priorities. Good Luck.

Answer 3

It would be unwise to do this without some discussion with the planning people. They can provide information to help you not make a mess of it. Plus if you are going to use it as a pplay room surely you would want some natural light, power, electric lights, a bit of flooring. Also if is a modern house there may be lots of roof trusses in the way. Starts to sound like you are changing the useage, and might need planning permission.

Remember the planning department are usually very helpful and are there to stop disasters happening.

Answer 4

Why dont you just get planning permission? You cant advertise your house as having a roof terrace when you come to selling it if you didnt have permission, which also means that when someone moves in to your house, they wont be able to get insurance for that part of the house so should anything go wrong with it, theres nothign they can do.

Answer 5

No you shouldnt, unless you are changing the window in the loft that is when you need the permission as the window could overlook houses or block light etc.
you may need to get building regulation consent though, speak to a local architect or builder for advice.

Answer 6

I don't think you need planning permission, but you will need Building regs.
The council will send an inspector to make sure they are built properly, safely, and would allow easy escape in case of fire.
Best place to go for advise is your local council planning office.

Answer 7

Not sure if I am too late or not, but you can try Free Garage Conversions www.freegarageconversions.co.uk They do free garage conversions in London and surrounding areas.

The only cost to you is the planning cost and the architect cost.

If you are converting the garage in to a habitual room, then you would need to involved the Building regulations department as they would check the stability and safety of the conversion.

If you are planning to remove the garage door and replace it with a normal door or a window, then you would need planning application, otherwise Permitted Development can cover that.

Answer 8

Not unless you house has special requirements attached to it such as certain listings. Often these only apply to the exterior of the building. Be careful of asking the council - those scoundrels may want to increase your council tax if they find out.

Answer 9

not really you even if you put a bedroom up there it would be ok but if you went to sell the house it wouldnt be classed as a bedroom it would be a floored attic.
but with the permission it would be another bedroom

Answer 10

I am not a professional but I think internal alterations do not require planning permission unless there are listed features in your house.