Planning A loft ConversionAnd Permitted DevelopmentIn this article we will look at all those factors as well as other things that you may need to consider before beginning your project. The Neighbours It may seem a bit early to worry about Mrs Next Door, and you may not have the inclination to worry about her anyway, but, it’s always best to get the neighbours onside straight away. Although the actual build of a loft conversion shouldn’t inconvenience the neighbours too much there will still be unavoidable noise and possibly traffic disruption. No one likes to hear a gang of builders hammering, joking and chatting first thing in the morning so keeping the neighbours sweet in the early stages will store up some goodwill for the future. Another reason to keep the neighbours informed and up-to-date with developments is that you may well need their co-operation when the building work begins if a party wall is involved or if you have to make a full planning application.
With the change in the permitted development laws in October 2008 it is important when planning a loft conversion to remember that most loft conversions involving a cable end will now be allowed though the volume cap still exists. The volume cap means that loft conversions are only allowed to add up to 50 cubic metres to the roof space of a detached or semi-detached house, with only 40 cubic metres allowed to be added to terraced properties. Another point to consider is that the permitted development of dormers has changed in that they will not be permitted on any roof that fronts on to a highway and that they should be set back from the eaves by a minimum of 20 cm. What hasn’t changed is that any loft conversion, or dormer extension, must not be higher than the existing roof ridge of the property. Design The best part of planning a loft conversion is coming up with the final design or concept for your new room. The most popular loft conversion in the UK is adding an en-suite bathroom but we discuss all the possibilities in the design section of the site. However, one vital aspect that you must take into account no matter what the final room will be, is that the location of the stairs must be absolutely right.
If there are space restrictions on the existing landing than one of the bedrooms will probably have to be sacrificed in order to fit in the new flight of stairs to the loft. Of all the aspects of planning a loft conversion the location of the staircase is the single most important factor to consider and to get right. Related Articles
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