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info@apexlofts.co.uk

Useful Information

Permitted Development Allowance

Some properties can have a loft conversion without applying for planning permission. The "permitted development allowance" means the amount the house can be extended without planning permission being required. This allowance varies depending on the type of dwelling. Loft conversions are allowed within the permitted development allowance.

Type of property	Total allowance of property	Total allowance for a extension on the roof area
Detached or semi detached house or bungalow	70 Cubic meters or 15%, whichever is the greater	50 Cubic meters
Terraced house - including end of terrace	50 cubic meters or 10%, whichever is the greater	40 Cubic meters

In both types of dwelling the maximum size of any extension that can be built as permitted development is 115 cubic meters.

The total allowance applies to all extensions and additions to your original property. They also apply to any existing buildings lying within 5 meters of the property i.e a garage.

To keep within your permitted development allowance on your property, the area covered by an extension or out building must not exceed half the garden area of the existing house.

Lawful Application

This application can be made with your local authority. It would clarify if your property requires planning permission if you are unsure. If no planning permission is required, a letter will be issued to confirm that your application is within your permitted development allowance.

Planning permission

When applying for planning permission the criteria a loft conversion must meet differs depending on your local authority. However, taking into account the following points should assist you with your planning application:

• Place the dormer at the rear of your house
• Avoid placing a dormer on the side roof of a dwelling. The planning department may oppose it as they feel it makes the property look unbalanced and could encroach on the surrounding properties privacy
• Avoid placing a dormer on the front of the property. It could be argued that it has an impact on its surroundings and can easily spoil the character not only of the property itself but also the area as a whole. Use roof lights instead
• Ensure that the dormer is not out of proportion to the overall area of the roof
• Try to keep the top of the dormer below the existing roofline
• Ensure that some of the existing roof to both sides and below is left - do not cover the whole area of your roof with a dormer
• The appearance of your dormer should match the existing roof as closely as possible
• Position windows so that they are set well in from your party boundaries
• Ensure that windows in your dormer match the existing ones on your property as closely as possible and look directly onto your own garden, not into your neighbours

www.planningportal.gov.uk

Velux Skylight Windows

No application is required for velux roof lights, however you may be required to install conservation type skylights.

www.velux.co.uk

Party Wall Agreement

The party wall act provides a framework for preventing and resolving disputes in relation to party walls. Section 2 of the Act lists what work can be done. The most commonly used rights are:

• To cut into a wall to take bearing of a beam (for example a loft conversion), or to insert a damp proof course all the way through the wall
• To raise the height of the wall and/or increase the thickness of the party wall and, if necessary, cut off any projections which prevent you from doing so.
• To demolish and re-build the party wall
• To underpin the whole thickness of a party wall
• To protect two adjoining walls by putting a flashing from the higher over the lower, even where this requires cutting into an Adjoining Owners independent building

www.communities.gov.uk/publications/planningandbuilding/partywall

 

If you intend to carry out any of the above works, it is your duty to inform your neighbouring property of your intentions. This should be done in writing before work commences.

The Act contains no enforcement procedures for failure to serve a notice. However, if you start work without having first given notice in the proper way, adjoining owners may seek to stop your work through a court injunction.

An adjoining Owner cannot stop someone from exercising the rights given to them by the Act, but may be able to influence how and at what times the work is done.