Planning and Building Control Approval for Loft Conversions

There are two very separate types of permission required, loft conversion plans have to deal with both of these if they are to be of any use. The plans are also used by builders to provide quotes and for a builder, or DIY enthusiast to work from. Possibly the most important use of the plans is for you, the householder! You need to be absolutely happy with the layout, design and use of the proposed loft floor plan, as well as ensuring the exterior sits comfortably and is in keeping with the existing property.

The loft room itself can be used for a variety of purposes, typically these are a large master bedroom with an en-suite, or two bedrooms with a separate shower room. There are variations on this, such as having a cupboard on the landing, a Juliet balcony and a storage area in the eaves of the roof space. The loft stairs should always go above the existing staircase, leading up off the landing, with open balustrade to provide a feeling of light and openness. It is often quite feasible to have a window bringing extra light onto the landing. Don’t worry if you think the headroom isn’t enough, or the stairs won’t fit, we do lots of loft conversions on two bed terrace houses in the Medway towns and surrounding areas.

Planning Permission

Planning permission isn’t usually required, or even desirable to apply for as it can often be difficult to obtain approval. Permission from the Local Planning Authority comes in the form of a Certificate Of Lawful Use, which we apply for and obtain for you. Under your properties permitted development rights, the external rear roof can be extended to make a dormer and Velux roof windows can be inserted in the front, without the need to apply for permission.

This means you don’t have to worry about the risk of a refusal, safe in the knowledge the work can go ahead.

Building Control

Building Control Approval is always required, these are sometimes referred to as the ‘building regs’. The plans include a full specification, structural calculations, cross sections and detail in the drawings, to allow the loft to be converted into habitable living space. These can then be used by a builder to provide a quote for the work, or for a self-builder to work to.

We submit the loft conversion plans to Building Control, they carry out a Full Plans Check and issue approval. Being Local Building Control Partners, this is a very straightforward process, which we take care of for you. Then once work commences, the Building Control Officer (BCO) inspects the work at all the relevant stages, the inspection stages are set out in a schedule of works which is sent in advance.

Once the work is complete a Certificate Of Compliance is issued, and the property is updated with the Land Registry as being a 4/5/6 bedroom property.

“I would say your drawings were really good and what I liked is you listened to what we were asking for but had the patience and skill to understand what wouldn’t work from a planning perspective. You were friendly, courteous and efficient and kept us informed as to what happens which is really important.”
Alan & Joe Castle, Paddock Wood, Kent.

“I would highly recommend KCR Design as Keith was very friendly but professional from the start. The drawings he done we really good and made the best of the space in our house. We were over the moon with the outcome and love our new extension”
Sarah & Dominic Farrugia, Gravesend, Kent.

“I would not hesitate to recommend Keith Rogers from KCR Design. Keith is a talented architect who dealt with the whole process of drawing up plans for our ground floor extension expertly and without fuss. He also saw us through the various stages involved with gaining planning permission and even recommended a reliable local builder who finished the work to a high standard. I would not hesitate to use Keith again.”
Gill & Alan Greenwood, Borough Green, Kent.

“We choose KCR Design because we were impressed by their previous work. Initial plans were drawn up very quickly and we were led through the planning process, being given invaluable advice along the way. The same was true of the Building Regulations. Even when we wanted to change things on the drawings, nothing was too much trouble.”
David Johnston, Chart Sutton, Maidstone, Kent.

“We were very impressed with Keith’s straightforward honesty, right from the outset he always kept us informed. The extension we wanted was difficult because our house is built on a slope, but planning was taken care of and a specification passed building control. We found the whole process of getting planning permission to be painless and would not hesitate to recommend Keith’s services.”
Mr & Mrs Green, Meopham, Kent.

“We just wanted to say a big “thank-you” for the wonderful job you did on our first floor extension. We wouldn’t hesitate to use you again and recommend you to our friends.”
Jonathan and Debbie Hawkins, Erith, Kent.

“Just to let you know we have found a builder, I would like to thank you for all your assistance. Pop in for a coffee in 3 months’ time if your passing to see the end result.”
Kevin & Ruth Sturla, Gillingham, Kent.

“We would like to thank you for the wonderful services you provided for our new extension. We have no hesitation in recommending you.”
David and Jackie Ferguson, Gillingham, Kent.

Want to know if your property has it’s permitted development rights in place, meaning the work can go ahead: Just give us a call for a Free Feasibility Study, 01634 757355.

Planning and Building Control Approval for Loft Conversions

Planning Permission

Building Control

TELEPHONE

EMAIL US

ADDRESS