Do I need permission for a loft conversion?

You need to check before work starts

If your loft conversion is intended for use as new accommodation, for example a bedroom, study or office then you will need to make a Building Regulations application. If you are making changes to the external appearance of your house, then you may also need to obtain planning permission.

Building regulations and planning permission are very important considerations. Without the proper approvals you may find yourself being ordered to remove any alterations and you may have problems if you decide to sell your house at a later date.

Building regulations

Ensuring the safety and quality of the work

Building regulations are used to ensure that any building or alteration work meets the set standards for the design and construction of buildings, mainly to ensure the health and safety for those living in or around the building. They are also increasingly used to ensure that the building is energy efficient and that access to the building has been considered. Read more »

Planning permission

You may need permission for your loft conversion

In the UK you will need planning permission (sometimes called planning consent) if you want to build on land, or if you want to change the use of land or buildings. The requirement for planning permission was introduced in 1947 under the Town and Country Planning act. Interestingly, all buildings and land uses that existed prior to 1947 were granted planning permission, and it was only after that date that planning permission was required. The current version of the act is Town and Country Planning Act 1990, click here if you would like to read the act in full - although be warned, it is a very lengthy and complicated document! The Local Planning Authority (LPA) is responsible for granting planning permission. The LPA is normally your local Borough or District Council who will normally have a website with all of the relevant information and forms. Read more »