THE DEVELOPMENT GUIDE FOR LOFT CONVERSIONS

1
THE DEVELOPMENT GUIDE FOR LOFT CONVERSIONS

• www.cityloftslondon.com

2
A loft conversion for your house is considered to
be permitted development which does not require
an application for planning permission, that is
provided certain limits and conditions are met.
We have outlined these below
3
1
Loft conversions are not permitted development
for houses on designated land.
4
2
In order to be permitted development, additional
roof space created must not exceed the following
volume allowances 50 cubic metres for detached
and semi-detached houses and 40 cubic metres for
terraced houses.
5
3
You need to bear in mind that any previous roof
space additions need to be included within this
volume allowance. So for example if there was
already 20 cubic meters installed on your roof,
you are only permitted 20 more if youre in a
terraced house. 
6
4
An extension beyond the plane of existing roof
slope of the principal elevation that fronts a
highway is not a permitted development.
7
5
No part of the extension is to be higher than the
highest part of the existing roof.
8
6
Materials are to be in similar appearance to the
existing house.
9
7
Any side-facing windows must be obscure glazed
and non-opening unless the parts which can be
opened are more than 1.7m above the floor of the
room in which its installed.
10
8
Any verandas, raised platforms or balconies are
not permitted development.
11
9
Roof extensions apart from hip to gable ones
are to be set back as far as practicable, at
least 20cm from the original eaves. This 20cm
distance is measured along the roof plane.
12
www.cityloftslondon.com
Contact Us
0845 519 4321

• 42 LYTTON ROAD, NEW BARNET LONDON, EN5 5BY,
  UNITED KINGDOM