A common question our builders are often asked is: Will I get planning permission for a loft conversion in my property? In this post we hope to answer exactly this question.

Generally most homes built after 1975 are suitable for loft conversions but there are some definitive criteria which have to be met. One of the basic criteria which has to be fulfilled for any loft conversion is that the roof height in the loft must be at least 2.4 metres above the floor in the loft at its highest point.  So before thinking about submitting a loft conversion planning permission application make sure you check your loft and assess whether the height of the loft is at least 2.4 metres above the floor at its highest point. This is required to ensure that the loft conversion which is eventually built is structurally stable.

Other factors which need to be taken into consideration when submitting a loft conversion planning permission application include:

• Will the loft conversion change the external appearance of the property?

• How many separate rooms are going to be created in the loft?

• Is the property a situated in a conservation area?

• Are there any other properties on the street which already have a loft conversion?

•Will the new loft conversion rooms constitute a change of use? E.g. be used as office space?

On the other hand planning permission may not be required for a loft conversion in certain situations. These include if the floor size of the loft is less than 50 metres square, there is adequate roof height for a loft conversion and the outer appearance of the property will not be affected by it. However, even if you think your loft meets these criteria, it is always advisable to consult with your local authority and obtain advice from an architect regarding your planned loft conversion.

When considering a loft conversion always bear in mind that it is a job for professionals. Even if planning permission is not required, your loft conversion must meet building regulations criteria and they will have to be informed.  Your architect and structural engineer should be up to date with these and should create plans in accordance with the local authority building regulations. You can also personally contact your local building regulations authority for more information on the matter.

At Apple Construction we provide a complete Loft Conversion service which includes obtaining planning permission and building regulations approval. If you are considering having a loft conversion, please feel free to contact us to discuss your requirements with one of our builders or architects.

We aim to post regularly on our new blog to provide you with regular easy to understand information and practical tips which should help increase your knowledge of the building trade. So make sure you visit our blog on a regular basis and send us your feedback and on blog@apple-construction.co.uk.  Also drop us a mail if you would like to send us a request to write an article on a particular subject related to the building industry which you believe will be of help to yourself and our blog readers in general.