Hillingdon Council Planning for Loft conversion

RaviSoni

Hi Everyone, 

Im looking to buy a house in the Hillingdon area, the house already has a double story side extension, i’ve heard that in some cases if the house already has a double story side extension they won’t allow you to have a loft conversion when you put planning forward.

The house is a corner plot, if anyone can shed some light on this it would be great. 

There is an abundance of houses on the street that have loft conversions for context, I have checked the loft myself and there is enough height aswell. 

Any guidance or help would be great. 

grumbler

Isn't it a permitted development? If so, you don't need a permission and it's only the building control and regulations that you have to satisfy.

FreeBear

grumbler said:

Isn't it a permitted development? If so, you don't need a permission and it's only the building control and regulations that you have to satisfy.

It is possible that an Article 4 directive had been put in place by the council when planning was approved for the extension. That is something the OP needs to check before committing to the purchase. If there is an Article 4 directive in place, that doesn't mean planning permission would be refused, it just adds to the expense and stress.

jonnydeppiwish!

grumbler said:

Isn't it a permitted development? If so, you don't need a permission and it's only the building control and regulations that you have to satisfy.

I think that permitted development is only on the original property, so it wouldn’t be allowed if property has already been extended 

Section62

FreeBear said:

grumbler said:

Isn't it a permitted development? If so, you don't need a permission and it's only the building control and regulations that you have to satisfy.

It is possible that an Article 4 directive had been put in place by the council when planning was approved for the extension. That is something the OP needs to check before committing to the purchase. If there is an Article 4 directive in place, that doesn't mean planning permission would be refused, it just adds to the expense and stress.

....although the 'expense and stress' of applying for planning consent are trivial compared to the expense and stress of having a loft conversion (/extension) actually built.

Section62

jonnydeppiwish! said:

grumbler said:

Isn't it a permitted development? If so, you don't need a permission and it's only the building control and regulations that you have to satisfy.

I think that permitted development is only on the original property, so it wouldn’t be allowed if property has already been extended 

There are different classes of permitted development with different rules for each.

If the property has been previously extended with full planning consent then it is possible an Article 4 Direction has been used to remove some or all permitted development rights.

It is difficult/dangerous to generalise with PD as the circumstances of each property vary so much.

OP, if having the loft conversion is important to you then the best approach is to ask the council (they may charge) whether the work will be PD or will need full planning consent.  No point buying the property and then finding out you can't do what you want.