Loft conversion at side

ElephantBoy57

A relative has a neighbour that is having their loft converted and it's at the side of the roof, instead of the front.

Not seen many like that, anyone know why they would build up from the sidewall of the house, make the gable end square.

I did search the planning portal, but found nothing. The houses are local authority semi detached, doors at the side, just a landing window upstairs.

Doozergirl

Why not?  It's an easy gain of space.  

A 'hip to gable' conversion falls under permitted development.  

ElephantBoy57

Doozergirl said:

Why not?  It's an easy gain of space.  

A 'hip to gable' conversion falls under permitted development.  

The loft floor area is almost the total of all the house, with this it will be.

There is an ex-council house near me that has done the same, maybe its something in the design of council houses?

Doozergirl

I don't understand what you're saying.  

ElephantBoy57

Doozergirl said:

I don't understand what you're saying.  

The floor area in the loft is that of the bathroom and two bedrooms, surely there is enough space without getting that extra bit from the gable end? Building the wall up and extending the roof must cost a lot more, just for that bit of extra space.

Doozergirl

ElephantBoy57 said:

Doozergirl said:

I don't understand what you're saying.  

The floor area in the loft is that of the bathroom and two bedrooms, surely there is enough space without getting that extra bit from the gable end? Building the wall up and extending the roof must cost a lot more, just for that bit of extra space.

It makes a HUGE difference because of the available headheight.  And it's much cheaper than an extension.  

In our house, the difference would create two double bedrooms instead of one bathroom!  

mcooke999

Hip to gable conversions are common
 Relatively simple way to gain floor space and make financial sense if the roof needs replacing anyway. Just a bit of extra brickwork and you've suddenly doubled the usable floor space in the loft area.

DevilDamo

Doozergirl said:

A 'hip to gable' conversion falls under permitted development.  

Not in all cases, i.e. designated areas.

DevilDamo

ElephantBoy57 said:

Doozergirl said:

Why not?  It's an easy gain of space.  

A 'hip to gable' conversion falls under permitted development.  

The loft floor area is almost the total of all the house, with this it will be.

On plan form that may be the case but in reality, maybe only half of that floor space will be full height.

Doozergirl

DevilDamo said:

Doozergirl said:

A 'hip to gable' conversion falls under permitted development.  

Not in all cases, i.e. designated areas.

I didn't say it because it gets a bit boring saying it after 15 years and the OP isn't planning it, they're asking why this one isn't online.   

The one time I don't say it!

PierremontQuaker03

I'm doing this to mine now, its within permitted development and I do not have to notify either neighbour - a lot of houses in my street have done this, and it has turned my 3 bed semi into a four bed with an ensuite.  The alternative would have been to build at the side of the house or the back which would have been extremely expensive and I would imagine have annoyed the neighbours.  So its best for all parties including my wallet!