It can be difficult to determine whether or not you will require planning permission for your loft conversion. There are a number of factors that can contribute to the final decision. You may or may not need planning permission based on the sort of loft conversion you are having and the extent of the work that will need to take place. Take a look at this guide to give yourself a better understanding of when planning permission is necessary.
What is permitted development
The majority of loft conversions are deemed to be permitted developments, meaning you will not require planning permission so long as the work fits the necessary criteria. As long as you intend to have a simple conversion then you should be fine without planning permission, but you should always check to make sure. Regardless of whether you have been given planning permission for your loft conversion or not, there are strict building regulations that will need to be followed to ensure that all the work is done in a safe manner. Plus, your home could fall in an area where permitted development is limited, so it is always best to check that your property is eligible.
When do I need planning permission?
As previously mentioned, there are criteria that must be met in order for there to be no planning permission required for your loft conversion. Should your loft conversion breach any of the relevant conditions, then you will need to apply for planning permission from your local authority. You will always need to request planning permission if you live in a flat, maisonette, or converted house. Planning applications in the UK tend to cost around £200-£230, based on which country your property is in.
Does it take a long time to be granted planning permission?
Fortunately, your local authority has an obligation to inform you of their decision as soon as possible after you have submitted a planning application. Typically, it should take around eight to 16 weeks for a decision to be made, depending on the complexity of the application and whether or not an Environmental Impact Assessment is necessary. Planning permission notices are usually valid for up to three years after they are issued, unless a longer or shorter timeframe is clearly displayed in your letter of approval.
What will happen if I do not have planning permission?
Any work that is completed without the required planning permission will have to be reversed, and a significant fine could come your way. To avoid wasting time and money, you should always be absolutely certain that you know the exact situation surrounding the planning permission for your loft conversion.
Enjoy the benefits of home improvement
A loft conversion can help you make the most of the space in your property and is a great way to take your home to the next level. Once you have sorted out your planning permission, you can move forward with the project and really start looking forward to enjoying the benefits. Here at A.G. Kerr, we are experts when it comes to home extensions and roof construction, making us a great choice for your loft conversion. Give us a call on 01342 822 750 or email info@agkerrcarpentry.co.uk to discuss your requirements.
