New regulations in 2008
Under new regulations that came into effect from 1 October 2008 a loft conversion for your home is considered to be permitted development, not requiring an application for planning permission, subject to the following limits and conditions.
» A volume allowance of 40 cubic metres for terraced houses.
» A volume allowance of 50 cubic metres for detached and semi-detached houses.
» No extension beyond the plane of the existing roof slope of the principal elevation that fronts the highway.
» No extension to be higher than the highest part of the roof.
» Materials to be similar in appearance to the existing house.
» No verandas, balconies or raised platforms.
» Side-facing windows to be obscure-glazed; any opening to be 1.7m above the floor.
» Roof extensions not to be permitted development in designated areas.
» Roof extensions, apart from hip to gable ones, to be set back, as far as practicable, at least 20cm from the eaves.
