Query about planning permission

wiggly

Anyone on this board know how to find out if the window in our loft has got planning permission or not?

Basically we're renting at the moment but considering buying the property and as I'm a totally beginnner to all this am not sure how to find out.

Also, we would like to convert the loft into a room, is it possible to get someone in to check before we make an offer - as we're already there it seems a waste not to take advantage of this fact! If we can, what do I have to do/who do I contact etc?

many thanks

JennyW_2

wiggly wrote:

Anyone on this board know how to find out if the window in our loft has got planning permission or not?

It would've probably needed building regs and not planning permission. Probably worth a call to the local council.

cat79_2

When you say a window in your loft, do you mean a rooflight i.e velux, or do you mean a dormer (extension).

If its the former, planning permission is usually only required if the property is listed, in a conservation area, a flat (not always though) or if PD rights have been removed (through article 4 direction or previous consent). Velux windows usually meet the criteria in terms of assessing whether its PD (permitted development). In scottish planning regs, these are that the window should not extend 10cm above the plane of the roof, and not occupy more than 10% of the roof area, and crucially, that it is not thought to materially affect the roof (i.e visual impact). I can see from your location that you are in England therefore I would check with your local auth planning dept in the first instance.

Also if the property is not listed and the window was installed over 4 years ago, the council cannot take any enforcement action on it, and there is no need to apply for pp. A letter confirming this can be requested from the council (if applicable).

Building regs, again I would check with the council in your area.

If its a dormer extension its likely it would have needed pp and a building warrant, though if older than 4 years the above applies (pp only).



**Advice based on scottish regs**

wiggly

it's definately been there well over 4 years, easily over 4 years

thanks