Permitted Development Rights

What Loft Conversions & Dormers are Permitted

Permitted Development Rights set out the rules concerning what extensions, improvements and alterations can be made to a house and the area around it without the need for an application for planning permission. They were introduced in 2008 for minor household developments and simplified the understanding and requirements for adding loft rooms and dormers.

Permitted Development for Lofts

"A loft conversion for your house is considered to be permitted development, not requiring an application for planning permission, subject to the following limits and conditions:*

• A volume allowance of 40 cubic metres of additional roof space is allowed for terraced houses; or 50 cubic metres additional roof space for detached and semi-detached houses. (i.e. 2-4 bedroom houses generally will be allowed significantly sized dormers)
• No extension beyond the plane of the existing roof slope of the principal elevation that fronts the highway (i.e. no dormer window or extension is allowed to face the street but can face to the rear and side)
• No extension to be higher than the highest part of the roof, (i.e. dormer does not increase the roof height. We have many techniques to utilise the space available, as long as there is a minimum of 2.2 metres at outset)
• Materials to be similar in appearance to the existing house. (i.e. the eventual roof needs to maintain the general loog and feel of the house and street)
• No verandas, balconies or raised platforms; and side-facing windows to be obscure-glazed; any opening to be 1.7 metres above the floor (this prevents over-looking of neighbours property and it is for occupants' safety)
• Roof extensions not to be permitted development in designated areas. (i.e. excludes National Parks, A.N.O.B., Conservation Areas)
• Roof extensions, apart from hip to gable ones, to be set back, as far as practicable, at least 20cm from the original eaves"

*Source: planningportal.gov.uk/permission/commonprojects/loftconversion/ (opens new tab/window)

Permitted Development rights can be withdrawn from an area by the issuance of an "Article 4 direction" by the local authority. This means a planning application would be needed. It is usually applied to areas of acknowledged importance, such as conservation areas. A call to the local planning office can confirm whether one is in place.

The information provided is general advice only and should not be relied on as legislation changes frequently. You should contact our surveyor and/or your local planning authority and discuss your proposal before work begins. They can let you know of any reason why the development may not be permitted and if you need planning permission.

On our loft plans page we outline the cost of plans - by loft size - plus other costs included in our fixed price conversion quotes such as Local Authority fees at a minimum, and potentially Structural Calculations for dormers and Planning Permission for truss conversions.

Full Service

We provide a full, professional start-to-finish service and we don't employ sales people.

Your architectural surveyor is your primary contact, they assess your loft, discuss your options and calculate your fixed price quote.

The same surveyor plans materials and ensures the all paperwork and requirements are met. Plus they are generally available up to and during the build so if your design ideas evolve you can understand any implications regarding rules and costs. Plus our tradesmen can obtain professional advice at any time, which allows a build to progress smoothly and without delay.

Contact Us

Contact us to discuss your ideas on 0800 505 3414 and receive a free, no obligation fixed price quote. We convert lofts in Greater Manchester and we provide an Architectural Planning Service throughout the whole of the UK.

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