When will planning permission not be needed for a loft conversion? UK ONLY PLEASE!!?

Question

I have a 2 bed semi with 3 sloping sides to the roof and want a dorma (spell?) window putting it and the loft panelling out to be used as a bed room.

I have heard that there has been talk in the commons to scrap planning permission for thsi, does anyone know any more?

Also, my house was under pinned 35 years ago. It's fine now (structural engineers report 8 years ago). Will this effect having loft converted?

Thanks in anticipation....

Answer 1

I know two people who have had Velux windows to the rear (non-street-facing) sides of their property without having to have planning permission, but a dormer window may be different.

Phone the local planning office, they have always been most helpful when I have phoned them.

And don't take any notice of the person who said just go ahead and do it anyway without permission - if the council see it the new window, they can make you remove it.

Answer 2

There are some loft conversions which do not need any planning permission, but on the other hand many do. There are quite a few conditions involved in conversions, for example whether it will change the outside appearance of your house or if it exceeds a certain area. I think it would be best for you to ask an architect for advice, or you could always contact your local authority direct for help.

Answer 3

You don't need planning permission to put in velux windows, but as for no planning permission well it looks like less people will be able to convert their lofts as the government are planning to impose the metre rule to all loft conversions,which means a metre in from the outside walls with a metre down from the roof. So unless you're planning to have a very vertically challenged person living with you I'd get it done QUICK .

Answer 4

As far as I know you don't need planning permission as a loft conversion wouldn't extend outside the boundaries of the building. Check with the planning department to make sure. You will however need a safety inspection to make sure it fits in with fire regulations re the insulation, staircase etc. I think this is carried out by the Engineers department at the council but ask as I'm not 100% sure.

Answer 5

hi you only need planning permission if you intend to change the exterior of the property by adding a dorma window etc .you will also have to meet current fire regulations as there is only one way out from your loft ,some times you need to install a fire escape . its always best to do it the right way for peace of mind .the underpin should not effect your plans as long as that was done through the planning office. good luck.

Answer 6

Notwithstanding the Government's recent announcement to change and speed-up planning applications, realistically even if the Government published a new bill for the Autumn session of Parliament this Autumn, the 'Bill' still has to proceed through 3 stages of 'reading;' in each 'house' i.e. Commons and Lords chambers. As a consequence, even with Government support, the changes you are wanting are probably at least two years away.

Answer 7

If you are planning on never moving and going to be in your house for your lifetime by all means just go ahead and do it without permission.

The whole planning permission process is a royal pain in the a55.

Myself and other neighbours got our old windows replaced (we live in a conservation area) and none of us bothered with the planning permission process as it is such a nightmare.

We were all advised after 5 years I think it is (can't quite remember) no one can raise any objections on your repairs/diy.

Answer 8

There's far more to converting a loft than just flooring the space and putting in a window...

Talk to your local building control first.

Answer 9

Contact Local Building Control officer/ planning department, the conversion will have to meet current fire regs & more often than not, steel and floor joists will have to be fitted as you will probably have 3 x 2 ceiling joists which aren't suitable to support a floor that will be permantly used.

Answer 10

i know of someone who was going to have a loft conversion, and it turned out it was cheaper to have an extension,due to the fact that there are alot of regulations on loft conversions , e.g . fire escapes,sise of access, but as you say things might have changed with the relaxing of the regulations , i suggest you phone your local planning department , they will let you know 100%.