Permitted Development - Loft Conversions

[@benlunty]

Just to point one thing out that you have missed. The external look has to be in keeping with the original house. I had to do a retrospective planning application because I put grey cladding instead of smooth fibre glass. You can actually submit a permitted development request to your local planning office for a small fee to check what you plan will be covered by PD. I wasn’t aware of this. Plus make sure the builder of the house hasn’t removed PD from the property at the request of the local planning. Something I didn’t know that others should be aware of. Great video though.

[@taimoorhassan5727]

Hi, what does PD stand for if you don't mind me asking. Thank you

[@Confidential84]

@@taimoorhassan5727 permitted development

[@afnankhokhar5578]

Very informative and very well explained. Thank you.

[@ponsaelius5668]

One further thing to mention is the cubic volume allowance takes into account other extensions. So if the property has already extended with rear/side extensions that have added 'roof space' (measured from the eaves to the ridge - flat roofs would have technically add nothing) then this will be included in the total cubic volume usage up to that point - even if it doesn't attach to the main roof.

[@areyouundoingthatorwhat9181]

We had a 2 year battle with our parish council over reinstating 2 dorrmer windows on our hipped roof end,our house was built originally with a second floor in the loft and the hipped end originally had 2 dormers which were damaged by a tree in 1973 and when the roof was repaired they were deleted,some other major changes to the house were made at the same time. I still don't understand why it took so long,as the planned dormers matched the originals and those on the front and rear roof but we have the dormers now. I wouldn't mind so much but they face sideways from the road into a field and overlook nothing but countryside, the nearest house viewed from those windows is about a mile away! Councils work in an odd and inconsistent manner,I have learnt that nothing is a given until they say so.

[@betaplanltd5967]

Thank you, yes planning departments can have there own policies and interpretations. I would always suggest discussing with them or using an Architect or Survey to discuss with them.

[@bield7]

Parish councils don’t grant pp, they’re merely consultees

[@arpage9203]

I'm a retired architect and just wanted to sound a note of caution concerning loft extensions built under permitted development rights. I was once caught out by the principal elevation rule on a property with an original small two storey side extension. This did not appear to visually relate to the principal elevation but was deemed to be part of it by both the planning department and subsequently the appeal inspector. Their decision effectively stopped the project as a proposed hip-to-gable element - essential in this case to enable the staircase to be extended into the loft - was deemed to be in front of the principal elevation and therefore illegal.

[@betaplanltd5967]

Thanks for your comment. Yes there are various elements that should be confirmed and projects assessed on the own merits as everything is not text book.

[@jdhamer9356]

Really enjoyed your two videos. I’m a property viewing rep so this is really helpful to me to discuss what’s possible with my viewers. Thank you very much.

[@betaplanltd5967]

You're welcome

[@sikinikinoodle]

Great video. It should also be noted that not all properties have permitted development right under an Article 4, the rights can be removed when the property is built. This catches a lot of people out.

[@betaplanltd5967]

Thank you, yes that is a consideration when planning a conversion.

[@johncoppock3823]

Thanks Scott, nice straightforward video. Would it be possible to make one on fireproofing aspects of the escape route from loft conversions, and likely BCO requirements. Also general video on BCO would be good for those with no experience. A getting started video with things like foundation and wall strength checks (how, when, who) would also be of interest. Thanks again.

[@betaplanltd5967]

Thank you, I plan to do one on that basis in the future.

[@bield7]

Useful video. However, the only proper way to establish whether or not you need pp is to submit a Certificate of Lawfulness to your local planning authority, who will give you a written legal determination.

[@deepakbajaj7980]

Really love your video, wish i had seen this about 4 months ago. I was doing a project with hip roof and didn’t get into loft cauz of complication of roof shape.

[@markwillmer6382]

A well put together and clear explanation for home owners and professionals alike. We are small design and build company in London and enjoyed your presentation.

[@betaplanltd5967]

Thank you.

[@bav8901]

Interesting video if you are thinking of having loft conversion. Thanks.

[@danielthompson-wallace5821]

Very good and useful video, please make more

[@NaBiL_____]

do you need planning permission to add stairs in the small bedroom?

[@betaplanltd5967]

Internally, no.

[@cattelona100]

you mean 50 % of house volume for semi , previous extensions are deducted from your allowance & 70% of total volume for detached

[@betaplanltd5967]

Thanks for watching. Your allowed total 50m3 roof extension (including any other roof space from an extension, i.e. a ground floor extension) for a detached or semi detached and 40m3 for a terrace house. Not percentage, meter cubed.

[@engr810]

thanks for posting valuable information

[@rlzly]

In the case of a wrap around dormer, do you have to make an entire flat ceiling (levelled) inside or you can keep the pitched roof shape for the remaining ceiling? Thank you

[@betaplanltd5967]

As long as its within the requirements. There is no requirements the roof or ceiling have to be flat.

[@SharniqueWilliams]

Hi I have a question regarding the 20cm set back condition detailed in the permitted development for household technical guidance (September 2019) and the High Court case (Waltham Forest London Borough Council v Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government [2013] EWHC 281. In the said case (which is approximately 10 years old) it states that the set back should be measured from the closest point of the projecting eaves (which is the intersection with the wall),rather than from the outer edge of the projecting eaves. The more recent permitted development for household technical guidance (September 2019) states The measurement of 0.2 metres should be made along the original roof slope from the outermost edge of the eaves (the edge of the tiles or slates) to the edge of the enlargement. Any guttering that protrudes beyond the roof slope should not be included in this measurement. If i am reading this, they seem to contradict each other, or is it that the more recent permitted development for household technical guidance (September 2019) has superseded the High Court decision?

[@betaplanltd5967]

Hi, 2019 was the last tech guidance as far as I know. As for a high court decision, I don't have a clue sorry. Practically, I would step anything back at least a tiles depth. Tiles generally exceed 200mm. What's your aim, to not implement the step back?

[@jazzbhatia8991]

@@betaplanltd5967 hi, thanks for your reply. Definitely step back to comply with permitted development but the question is where should the step back be measured. Edge of first tile or rear elevation wall

[@betaplanltd5967]

@@jazzbhatia8991 PD specify 'eaves' (eaves being the over hang of a gutter or soffit). Some houses don't really have eaves 'overhang' (picture a Victorian houses with corbelled brick detail). I would consider it the outer most structural element (not gutter). Which is still generally a tile, in either case. As this generally over hangs the fascia or brick detail.

[@ianpies2498]

Informative video - great sketch up. My house is ‘sideways’ to the road, meaning one gable faces the road with the other facing the garden at the back. Presumably I’m free to put the dormer on either roof slope given that neither of them are at the front of the property?

[@betaplanltd5967]

Thank you. Facing the road may need planning permission as its facing a 'highway' which could be classed as a principle elevation. I would check with the Local Planning department.

[@ianpies2498]

@@betaplanltd5967 ok - bit of a conundrum but you’re right - I’ll check with the council. Many thank for the reply

[@ponsaelius5668]

That dormer is not PD. It also has to have materials to match the roof-face of the existing property.

[@betaplanltd5967]

Thanks for watching, the official term 'Materials to be similar in appearance to the existing house'. There are no requirements to tile a dormer or that is has to be the same as the roof tiles. Furthermore, larger concrete tiles wouldn’t be used as hanging tiles. A lot of dormers are clad with timber, plastic, fibre cement board, if there is no other cladding on the house you have no reference. I would always suggest using common sense and at least use similar coloured materials so it would be in keeping. A lawfulness certificate application or consultation with the planning department if in doubt.

[@ponsaelius5668]

@@betaplanltd5967 I work for an LPA and I wouldn't approve that dormer a lawful certificate. We'd also likely enforce against one that didn't have an LDC. Plenty of case law regarding materials in respect to what is 'similar appearance' and what isn't - but anything glaring white in appearance on grey tiles and brick house definitely isn't 'similar appearance'. Just trying to be helpful here and prevent people getting caught out. Totally agree that people should pursue an LDC.

[@betaplanltd5967]

@@ponsaelius5668 Thanks for your feed back, comments from a planners aspect are appreciated. I would expect / hope any designer of a loft conversion would discuss the technicality of the requirements to make sure everything is compliant.

[@ponsaelius5668]

@@betaplanltd5967 Ha! You'd be surprised... The thing with these kinds of loft conversions and large box dormers is that they're usually significantly contrary to a local authority's design guides and indeed national design guides. IE if there wasn't the permitted development workaround they would be a flat out no-no. Basically don't expect them to be particularly forthcoming with flexibility on the PD regs. Once you are outside the confines of a planning application, then things are taken 'to the letter' - and leave little room for pragmatic wiggle room that comes with a usual planning assessment. This can be particularly awkward with the materials condition which isn't black and white like the other rules... It can depend entirely on the local authority though. Some are far more laissez faire. Which is why I would always recommend speaking to them and getting a lawful certificate. It's not so much of an issue for standard extensions, but loft conversions are controversial because of the fact they can be so visually prominent in a street.

[@betaplanltd5967]

@@ponsaelius5668 Yes, I have dealt with the aftermath before, why mentioned 'hope'. Materials has always been a hot bed. For example bricks, a new brick will never match weathered brick and mortar from a different mix. From experience dealing with numerous LA's, the difference on the same set of rules can give you headaches.

[@checkitout3199]

Thanks for the video very informative, im thinking of converting my loft to a bedroom, what if i want 2 dormers in the front side of the house, what is the maximum sise for dormers allowed for 2 dormers on a semi-detached house? Thanks.

[@betaplanltd5967]

Hi, thanks for watching, dormers on the front would require planning permission. They cant be done under PD. Better check with your planning department if any at all would be acceptable.

[@checkitout3199]

@@betaplanltd5967 will do, thank you.

[@That_black_mk6]

what are the laws on converting an attic my house is the very same layout as the video and would reinforcing the floor joists or would a steel need to be fitted to carry the floor as I don't plan on adding any bathroom or shower and what floor would be accepted to be fitted

[@betaplanltd5967]

Hi, Thanks for watching the video. There are numerous requirements. My advice would be employ an architect, survey or loft conversion company to go through the process with you.

[@thetessellater9163]

@@betaplanltd5967 - I think Detonation 9000 was hoping you'd draw up the plans and carry out the structural engineer's survey and report for him!

[@sonysony9585]

hi, can i remove red brick wall fence? it is 3 meter away from road. i would like build one store extra room size 3meter wide and 5.5 meter long, 16.5 square meter, without planning permission. garden door i will not remove, it gonna be separate building with concrete metal bars, stones, red hard bricks, my house semidetached size 9 meter long, 5.5 meter wide, 49.5 square meter. the law says 50% footprint width allowed build without building control, my house wide 5.5meter so i can build 2.75meter wide? or 3 meter will be ok too? thank you

[@betaplanltd5967]

Thanks for watch, I wouldn't like to advise without looking at the project. I suggest getting a local architect or survey to advise.

[@jamblpaints8453]

I keep seeing it written that developments should be 2 meters away from the boundary line to avoid planning permission, does this not include dormers?

[@betaplanltd5967]

Thanks for watching, being 2m away doesn't mean you avoid planning. There are just various requirements when building within 2m. A dormer can be built within 2m of the boundary.

[@erfanoveenomaan]

Excellent informative video.

[@gregmoore167]

I want to build dormers at the front of my home...I am a bungalow at the end of a close, and do not overlook another property for well over 100 metres, and that property being a bungalow anyway, any advice?

[@betaplanltd5967]

You would need planning permission as it an extension to the front elevation.

[@gregmoore167]

@@betaplanltd5967 Thanks!

[@rodgerq]

Great videos! This is slightly off topic but I've read that loft conversions aren't possible or are at least extremely difficult on timber frame houses. Is it the case that the timber frame isn't strong enough to take the extra loading of a loft conversion? Thanks.

[@jimbarin]

I was told that modern timber houses had like all other modern brick built houses been designed to take edditional loads - maybe what we need is a response from people like ScaniaHus.

[@achicheezay7225]

hey man cool videos can you do a video on the new 2 storey upwards extentions permited ? thanks

[@betaplanltd5967]

Thank you, I will eventually.

[@mecm182]

Hi, is there a way of finding out whether a property has had its PD rights removed by any previous extensions?

[@betaplanltd5967]

Hi, through your local planning department. They should be able to answer the question.

[@whome5810]

My house is in the middle of an estate and is not on a road at all, does this mean I can have a dormer extension on the front?

[@betaplanltd5967]

Thanks for watching the video, difficult to say. I would advise to check with the local authority.

[@BlockOUTdaPAIN]

Hi all, how do you work out the volume of the proposed dormer to see if it is within the 50 cubic metres

[@betaplanltd5967]

Thanks for watching, this is a good tool for working out volumes, www.planningportal.co.uk/services/professional-portal/volume-calculator

[@commonsense0692]

Can you do extending on top of an existing floor extension which is a metre away from neighbours and may block light to side window

[@betaplanltd5967]

Thanks for watching. From what you are saying, If it’s an additional storey within 2m of the boundary, you would need planning permission.

[@iugok2786]

Thanks, I have 2 questions: 40m3, does this apply only to the dormer or the entire resulting loft space? You said the dormer needs to be offset by 200mm from the eaves; does it also need to be offset on each side of the roof? Thanks!

[@betaplan57]

Thanks for watching. Any roof alteration over the original house would be included in the 40m3, a previous extension or a hip to gable alteration. The 200mm off set is from all side expect a hip to gable roof alteration.

[@iugok2786]

@@betaplan57 Thanks, but I am not sure if I understood: do they calculate only the new additions (the dormer itself in this case) or the additions + the existing loft space? The protruding part of the dormer, let's say, 25m3 and the the rest of the loft internal space is 35m3 so the resulting space would be 60m3. I did a very similar loft conversion applications to Waltham Forest and Richmond Councils and they looked at this different way, WF calculated the whole and refused me and Richmond calculated only the protruding part and permitted. How stupid!

[@betaplanltd5967]

@@iugok2786 They should just calculate any addition roof extension increase over the original i.e. just the dormer addition. If you converted a loft without adding dormers or altering the shape of the roof, there would be no roof extension. Just the increase in roof extension is calculated. Hope that helps.

[@iugok2786]

Thanks. Waltham Forest calculated the entire loft (extension+existing space) whereas Richmond Council calculated only the extension 's (dormer) volume

[@betaplanltd5967]

@@iugok2786 They may have a policy on an certain area. Be worth asking them for the reason why though.

[@AlexSavage]

Great video! Keep em coming..

[@24398472Tom]

What are the rules on container homes? I have mixed reports from you need planning to put it where you like as it's classed as temporary? Thanks in advance.

[@betaplanltd5967]

Hi, Thanks for watching the video. The question is a bit to open to give a definitive answer. Are talking caravan, static home? In terms of temporary, how long. In terms of out buildings (i.e. not attached to the house). I would suggest anything with living accommodation (where someone may sleep) would need planning permission. .

[@TheHotstepper76]

Great video, thanks.

[@betaplanltd5967]

Thank you.

[@Soundwave1of9]

I have a 6m x 6m detached garage with a pitched roof, I want to do a loft conversion just as you have done here on the detached house. Would the same rules apply?

[@betaplanltd5967]

Thanks for watching, I don't think it would fall within permitted development if it were to be a habitable room. The height of the dormer may also require planning permission.

[@alfun08]

Very informative to a layman like me.Thanks

[@betaplanltd5967]

Thank you.

[@engr810]

which software you were using for animation ?

[@betaplanltd5967]

Thanks for watching, Sketch Up.

[@Faizal_Khan]

Hi, Can I build one storey extension and also have a loft extension on top on a semi detached bungalow? I don't live in any restricted sites..

[@betaplan57]

Hi thanks for watching the video, you can do a loft conversion and rear extension at the same time (assuming they are not connected). You can't have a loft conversion on top of a new ground floor extension, if that was the question.

[@Faizal_Khan]

@@betaplan57 Hi, Thank you for your reply. Our bungalow has only one wall detached with the neighbours so does that mean I can't go higher for 3.5m than that?

[@betaplan57]

@@Faizal_Khan No problem, I wouldn't like to advise without seeing the situation. The height requirements are the same regardless of being detached or not.

[@Faizal_Khan]

@@betaplan57 Okay.. Thank You

[@CERELESS]

my home is a detached 3 storey victorian and have a half flat roof and half pitched roof. My question is how can I make it all flat?

[@betaplanltd5967]

Thanks for the question, however it's a bit open ended to give you an answer.

[@CERELESS]

@@betaplanltd5967 sorry for my bad question. What I meant is can I apply for a permission to make it all flat ? Is such a thing exist? I know we can do the other way around but I couldn't find about permission to make all flat roof.

[@betaplanltd5967]

@@CERELESS No problem, I think you would need to consult the planning department. By the sounds you are make it lesser, but it is changing the roof form. My advice would be to speak to the planning department first.

[@CERELESS]

@@betaplanltd5967 thank you for your reply I will consult a planning department

[@Danster82]

1.9m clearance for loft stairs.

[@betaplanltd5967]

Hi, Ideally 2m. 1.9m is acceptable at the center of the stair tread where there is a sloped ceiling. The edge of the tread against a wall shouldn't be less than 1.8m in that case.

[@cosworthjn2]

Do the rules still apply or have they changed.?

[@betaplanltd5967]

No change, still apply.

[@martenking1627]

☑️☑️I got a degree in civil engineering with no experience... What courses do you recommend to get in this section... Many thanks in advance

[@betaplanltd5967]

Thanks for watching. Architect / Surveying / Drafting / Structural? Get experience if you can, it gives a better idea of what field you would like to focus on. The design work is straight forward learn CAD or sketchup or which design package is available. The career choice is what you want from the job. Create / Design = Architecture, Make Work = Structural Engineer. There are numerous fields in the built environment industry. Its always been interesting from my experience.

[@thetessellater9163]

Spelling error in the summary : "principle elevation" is wrong! It is "principal..."

[@betaplanltd5967]

Thank you, noted. That's why I draw instead of write.

[@finbarstadt7213]

It's about time they scrapped PD. I live in a cul-de-sac and the house at the entrance to the street has done a rear loft extension under PD. They now overlook everyone's gardens and houses within the close. Aside from the lack of privacy the scale and look of the dormer is entirely out of keeping with the style of the other houses. It's as though they have converted the house into an office building.

[@betaplanltd5967]

Thanks for watching the video. I see your point. Unfortunately the rules are broad and don't always work in everyone's favour.

[@gwernllyr98]

What modelling software do you use?

[@betaplanltd5967]

SketchUp

[@ositaeze5237]

Excellent values...

[@betaplanltd5967]

Thank you.

[@dcribb5969]

Quick questions: If the loft space is a bit tight (6ft 1 floor to ridge), is it possible to bring a dormer to above ridge height by 30cm or so. I’ve seen a few example of this locally, just wondering where it would stand with building regulations and also is it a good idea?

[@betaplanltd5967]

Hi, Thanks for watching the video. To comply with permitted development (not require planning) no additional roof element can be higher than the highest part of the original roof. If your going higher than the ridge, it would probably need planning permission. Building control will just check/approve it in line with the building regulations not planning or permitted development requirements.

[@py_tok5589]

nice REVIT ANIMATION mate

[@betaplanltd5967]

Thank you, it was done with Sketchup.

[@py_tok5589]

@@betaplanltd5967 ok, SKETCHUP CAN BE GOOD FOR MODELLING but I prefer Revit over sketchup , much more complete

[@betaplanltd5967]

@@py_tok5589 Yes, Revit is an excellent tool, both serve different purposes. Sketchup very simple and effective to use.

[@py_tok5589]

@@betaplanltd5967 I love sketchup, I could learn if I need to, but I have been using Revit on a daily basis so naturally I will be inclined to do structural and architectural things in Revit, there is another open source 3D software SWEETHOME 3D similar to sketchup

[@betaplanltd5967]

@@py_tok5589 Thanks for sharing additional software. I am always open to testing new applications.

[@MrTaktic121]

Why am I watching this, I got a flat roof

[@edmundblackaddercoc8522]

I live on a narrowboat.

[@B71ger]

Came for the loft conversion, stayed for the animation

[@paulgolfer]

Really funny golf iron or rescue club very funny ha ha ha ha ha

[@MrMatt_Gray]

Sky sports news interruption

[@SM-wl4ko]

I can here to learn something nothing new learnt!

[@betaplanltd5967]

Thank you for your comment, the video is aimed at demonstrating the basic principles of loft conversions, within permitted development rights. To make future videos better, what information were you looking for?

[@SM-wl4ko]

@@betaplanltd5967 perhaps focussed at more dense urban locations like London where you find many terraced properties with different kinds of building layouts.

[@betaplanltd5967]

@@SM-wl4koThe principles are the same, subject to local planning requirements particularly in London. Due to the variety of house shapes and sizes it’s hard to cater for all. To be fair most houses are case specific especially in London. It’s a matter of adapting the rules to suit the property. Thanks for the feedback.

[@Optimus-Prime-Rib]

@S M. What you need to learn is how to speak English correctly.

[@SM-wl4ko]

@@Optimus-Prime-Rib ‘Write’ you mean Shakespeare !! Dummy ... go back to your sticks and stones. 🥱

[@pajis_xd]

wth are brits like this limiting so many things😂

[@brianjones5221]

Loft coversions look vulgar.

[@thetessellater9163]

So don't hang a picture of it on your wall ! It is the extra space that is the reason they're done, not aesthetics. One could argue that most houses themselves look vulgar, really.

[@rolandlawrence2740]

Omg mr boring voice

[@betaplan57]

Haha...thanks for the laugh, someone had to say it.

[@beaufighter245]

That's rude and unnecessary. A guy here offering free help and advice and you insult him.

[@aisforarchitecture4686]

Excellent video. Thanks.

[@betaplanltd5967]

Thank you.

[@rodgerq]

Great videos! This is slightly off topic but I've read that loft conversions aren't possible or are at least extremely difficult on timber frame houses. Is it the case that the timber frame isn't strong enough to take the extra loading of a loft conversion? Thanks.

[@betaplanltd5967]

Thanks for the watching. On the timber frame house. Its not impossible but would need a structural engineer to check and justify if the existing structure would take the new loads. You could speak to the people who erected the house (if there still available). I have never done or seen one done on a timber framed house. Alternatively you could look at an independent frame within the existing structure, subject to feasibility, cost and compromise (how you can accommodate a new frame).

[@rodgerq]

@@betaplanltd5967 thanks for the reply! I watched a video the other day and the builders actually exposed the cavity and inserted 3 sets of doubled up 6x2s from the ground floor right up into the roof space, in order that the steels had an independent structure on which to sit. Seemed overkill but clearly not if what you say is true. Funnily enough the builders of our estate actually still live on it so I could go and have a word. Thanks again.

[@betaplanltd5967]

@@rodgerq No problem, there are ways and means of achieving it, good luck.

[@rodgerq]

@@betaplanltd5967 thanks, I appreciate your time.