loft extension on end of terrace

erictheking99

i am looking to buy an end of terrace property and at some point will want to do a loft extension on it.

however, being an end of terrace, the loft slopes not just to the front but also to the side too. in such circumstances, is it still possible to do a loft conversion?

any advice appreciated, thank you.

mr_taffy_2

Yes it is.
Sounds like you got a hip roof on the property.
Iv done a few before where we have built a gabel up to make more space but you need planning to do it.

27col

Someone near us has done exactly that. Built up the hip end into a gable end, and also installed dormer windows front and back as well. He must have increased the area quite considerably. Not a bad looking job now its finished.

iamcornholio

Forming a gable to hipped roofs is not something that all planning authorites will accept. It depends on the area, and the immediate effect on a neighbouring property

It can be done, but don't take it as definite, and dont rely on being able to do it as the main reason for buying the property.

Otherwise its a case of a couple of dormers. But also think about where the stairs will go, as you may lose a room or part of a room to fit these in

erictheking99

thanks these are all really useful comments.

can't see it affecting anyone else, and my planning authority is wandsworth. dont know what their attitude to this sort of thing is, other than the fact that almost every house round here has their loft done!

Al1x

if other houses in the area have had a similer loft conversion done then its a good chance you will get planning permission... however best to check before you buy it.

planning_officer

You don't need planning permission to convert a loft - it's only potentially required for any external alterations - roof extensions, dormer windows, etc (and even then, they may be permitted development).

Changing a hip to a gable can actually be permitted development, so you may not even need to apply to the Council for planning permission. The only restriction is that the volume of the new part of the roof must not exceed 40 cubic metres (for a terraced house). You could also put a rear dormer window in as permitted development (but the 40 cu m volume restriction would then need to take the volume of the dormer into account too).

iamcornholio

planning_officer wrote: »

Changing a hip to a gable can actually be permitted development,

Even though forming a gable is going to mean that the alteration will project more than 150mm past the existing roof plane?

Plasticman

iamcornholio wrote: »

Even though forming a gable is going to mean that the alteration will project more than 150mm past the existing roof plane?

We've been advised that we would be allowed to do ours under permitted development (although the other changes that we've decided to make mean that we need planning permission anyway).

planning_officer

iamcornholio wrote: »

Even though forming a gable is going to mean that the alteration will project more than 150mm past the existing roof plane?

Yes - that's not a consideration - roof alterations are assessed under Classes B and C of the GPDO - changing a hip to a gable would come under Class B and the restriction you refer to only relates to Class C development (roof lights etc).