How do I find out if a loft conversion is legit?

Dinah93

From a planning perspective it does not require permission if there is no external extension eg a dormer window. If there is a dormer, is it over 35m cubed? Are there any previous extensions such as a conservatory, or detached garage (even if built with the property)? If the development took place over 4 years ago, this is all irrelevant anyway as it can no longer have action taken against it (assuming it's not listed). The easiest way is simply to call or write to the local authority and ask for a history check on the dwelling.

As for building regs, any loft conversion does require them, but past that, I'm afraid I don't have a clue. Again, contact the council.

I am a planning officer working in the public sector. Any opinions I express are purely an informal professional opinion and should not be taken as certain for your circumstances. Planning regulations differ between authorities, if in doubt consult your local council.

Debt_Free_Chick

Dinah93 wrote: »

From a planning perspective it does not require permission if there is no external extension eg a dormer window.

Thanks for this :T

Although, am I right in thinking that it certain areas it does need PP?

I am in an AONB (and a Parish Council Clerk :eek: ) and we see plenty of applications for PP for loft conversions. I've even seen one refused recently as the proposed dormer windows overlooked a neighbour's pool area. Perhaps the volume of the window was the issue or is it because the property is within the (High Weald) AONB?

skintarooney

We have recently had our loft converted. It was just a normal conversion rather than the dormer style.

This didnt require planning permission but we did need building regs. Once the conversion was complete we were issued with a certificate from the council to confirm that everything was above board. This certificate also stated that the inspectors had been round to check regularly, therefore this confirmed all chanes were safe and above board.

Further to this we were also required to have certificates from the electricians to confirm the safety of the new wiring/smoke alarms etc.

Hope this helps.

Dinah93

Debt_Free_Chick wrote: »

Thanks for this :T

Although, am I right in thinking that it certain areas it does need PP?

I am in an AONB (and a Parish Council Clerk :eek: ) and we see plenty of applications for PP for loft conversions. I've even seen one refused recently as the proposed dormer windows overlooked a neighbour's pool area. Perhaps the volume of the window was the issue or is it because the property is within the (High Weald) AONB?

It will need planning permission only in very specific circumstances if there is no external extension. Most common these are properties that are Listed Buildings, or in a conservation area covered by an article 4 direction. These properties will need the permission for a velux window as commonly article 4 only permits painting of external woodwork and repair and maintenance. All other changes to the dwelling including extensions, rendering, changes to boundary type, replacement windows/doors will need pp.

In the case you mention above, it is likely it was refused as it would have caused an unacceptable loss of privacy to the neighbour mentioned. Of course the design could also have been unsatisfactory too! We nickname big box dormers 'caravans' at work, for the huge lumbering shape they put on the roofscape.