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Loft Conversion

PD for a Loft after a first floor extension - Roof Space Allowance

Anonymous user 03/03/2024 - 3.28 PM

Hi We are in the process of purchasing a semi detached house. It had a 2014 ground floor extension approved and built via planning which added a 5.7*5.9m extension (basically the ground floor width). We would like to now do the loft conversion and add a dormer on the side. No special area (conservation, aob, green belt) and PD rights have not been removed. My question is regarding the comment on the PD website of "Bear in mind that any previous roof space additions must be included within this volume allowance. Although you may not have created additional space a previous owner may have done so". Does this mean that the roof space created by the ground floor extension with a flat roof has to be included in the 50cm (cubed) allowance for semi-detached properties and therefore as we will be over, we need to go to planning? Secondly the local design guidance for this specific area says that "the characteristic designs and roof profile should be respected". Due to the way the semi is set out (ie the triangular roof front faces the road)the dormer would have to go on the side, thus not really respecting the roof line. Any thoughts? I am reading this that if we had to go to planning they would turn us down as a dormer would not respect the roof line (which is why we want to do this under PD). Any advice?

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4 Answers

Anonymous user

best to speak to the local planning officer, normally a dormer would need full planning
Answered12 March 2020
1

Anonymous user

The cubic allowance only applies to roof space , the existing extension will not effect your cubic allowance so 50sq cubic meters to detached and semi detached and 40 sq for terrace properties,also your comment regarding dormers and planning is also correct, the planners are not keen to allow big box dormers and prefer small cottage style dormers which look more pleasing to the eye from the outside ,but generally don’t achieve good space internally !
Answered12 March 2020
0

Build It Developments Ltd

Rating: 5 out of 5
Basingstoke
You need to check that you have pd rights to convert the loft..... If the roof slope you want to put the dormer on has any public thoroughfare ie road path on that elevation immediately beyond your boundaries you will need planning. The roof on the grd floor Ex doesn’t come into the Equation for a loft conversion. The whole planning thing is a very grey area!!!
Answered14 March 2020
0

YDWB Ltd

Rating: 5 out of 5
Canning Town, London
The issue is definitely should be answered by one of two professionals. A qualified Architect or the local planning officer. The rationale for my answer is, every local authority has different rules of engagement to this question. Do not second guess. The local authority will most probably require professional drawings so they can see measurements of all the elements.
Answered16 March 2020
0