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.
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.