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We understand that sometimes the regulations surrounding loft conversions can be confusing and difficult to understand and follow, so our team here at Burbidge Construction are on hand to assist you with all the legalities, paper work needed and will help you through the entire process.
In short our aim is simple to shift the hassle away from and onto us, and in turn make building and constructing your loft hassle free and easy as possible for you.
All loft conversions need Building Regulation Approval. Either youa��re Local Authority or an Independent Building Control Company would be appointed.
Full plans and structural calculations will be submitted to the chosen Building Control authority. These, in turn with onsite, visual inspections will ensure that the proposed design and work is sufficient to meet their requirements.
Once they are satisfied that your loft conversion meets the set Building Control Regulations, a completion letter will be forwarded to you.
A loft conversion for your house is considered to be permitted development, not requiring an application for planning permission. This is because the effect of such developments on neighbours or the surrounding environment is likely to be small.
The permitted development allowances described here apply to houses and bungalows, not flats, maisonettes or other buildings.
If you are unsure, your Local Authority will be able to confirm if your permitted development rights have been removed from your property
The following conditions and limits must be met to ensure your proposed loft conversion complies with Permitted Development:
ADDITIONAL VOLUME LIMITS- Any additional roof space must not exceed these volume allowances:
Terraced Houses & Bungalows 40 cubic meters
Dethatched Houses & Bungalows 50 Cubic meters
Semi-detached Houses & Bungalows50 Cubic meters
Please bear in mind that any previous roof space additions must be included within this volume allowance. Although you may have not created the additional space, a previous owner may have done so.
DESIGNATED LAND
Roof extensions are not permitted if your property is within a conservation area.
FRONTING HIGHWAY
An extension beyond the plain of the existing roof slope of the principal elevation that fronts a highway is not permitted development.
MATERIALS
Materials to be similar in appearance to the existing house.
HEIGHT LIMIT
No part of the extension to be higher than the highest part of the existing roof.
BALCONIES
Balconies, verandas or raised platforms are not permitted development.
WINDOWS
Any side facing window must be obscured glazed and non-opening unless the parts which can be opened are more than 1.7 meters above the floor of the room in which it is installed.
DISTANCE FROM EAVES
Roof extensions, apart from hip to gable ones, to be set back, as far as is practicable, at least 20cm from the eaves.
The 20cm distance is measured along the roof plane.
PROTECTIVE SPECIES
Work on a loft or any roof may affect bats. You need to consider protective species when planning work of this type.
If you want to be certain that your property does not require planning permission, an application for a lawful development certificate can be applied for at your local authority.
It is not compulsory to apply for a Lawful Development Certificate but you may be required to produce one at a later stage for example when selling your property.
This certificate will confirm that your loft has been converted using your Permitted Development Allowance.
Should your proposed loft conversion not be permitted under Permitted Development and a Certificate of Lawful Use be refused, a Planning Permission Application would need to be submitted to your Local Authority. It is their responsibility to decide whether a proposed development should go ahead. Planning permission takes approx. 8 weeks from the date the validate your application. We will consult with the Planning Officer appointed to your application to check the progress of it and act accordingly should it be visible.
Walls shared by adjacent properties are usually jointly owned by the two owners and are termed party walls.
The party wall act provides a framework for preventing and resolving disputes in relation to party walls.A�If you intend to carry out any work to the party wall, 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 haw and at what times work is to be done.
It would be advisable to discuss your plans with your neighbour first. You may find that they have no objections. Even if they are not 100% supportive of your decision, they will no doubt appreciate being asked and consulted.
We can recommend a Party Wall Surveyor should it be required.
[button colour=”grey” type=”dropshadow” size=”medium” link=”http://www.burbidgeconstruction.com/?page_id=395-2″ target=”_self”]Types Of Loft Conversions[/button]
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