It is important to hire an architectural designer who can provide expert advice on your loft conversion project

A loft conversion for your house is considered to be permitted development, it does not require an application for planning permission, provided certain limits and conditions are met.

For that reason it is important to hire an architectural designer who can provide expert advice on your loft conversion project.

First of all loft conversions are NOT permitted development for houses on designated land. If your property is a listed building or in conservation area Permitted Development Rights do not apply in your property.

Existing additions to your roof space effects your volume allowance

Any additional roof space created must not exceed these volume allowances:
• 40 cubic metres for terraced houses.
• 50 cubic metres for detached and semi-detached houses.
Bear in mind that any previous roof space additions must be included within this volume allowance. Although you may not have created additional space a previous owner may have done so.

It is another reason for you to hire an architectural designer as making these calculation require expert knowledge.

An extension beyond the plane of the existing roof slope of the principal elevation that fronts a highway is NOT permitted development. Basically that means it is not permitted to have any dormer extension on your front side of the roof.

Materials need to be similar in appearance to the existing house.

No part of the extension can be higher than the highest part of the existing roof.

Verandas, balconies or raised platforms are NOT permitted development.

Any side-facing windows must be obscure glazed and non-opening unless the parts which can be opened are more than 1.7 metres above the floor of the room in which it is installed.

Roof extensions, apart from hip to gable ones, to be set back, as far as is practicable, at least 20cm from the original eaves. The 20cm distance is measured along the roof plane.

Work on a loft or a roof may affect bats. You need to consider protected species when planning work of this type. A survey may be needed, and if bats are using the building, a licence may be required.

Planning Design London offers expert advice and support on your loft conversion project

Although it is called Permitted Development, it has to meet certain limits and conditions. Planning Design London based in Sidcup – Kent and has years of experience on designing loft conversions in Bexley, Bromley, Croydon, Greenwich, Lewisham, Lambeth, Southwark, Dartford, Gravesham, Maidstone, Medway, Sevenoaks, Tunbridge, Malling.

If you are looking for a quality and affordable architectural designer, contact us now!