Do I need planning permission for my loft conversion?

Most loft conversions fall under what is known as permitted development so you may not need planning permission. However, you will if:

• Your home is a listed building.
• You live in a designated area, for example, a conservation area or National Park.
• You are going to alter the roof height or shape. For example, a mansard loft conversion would fit into this category.
• You want to include a balcony.
• Your roof space is more than 40m² for terraced homes or 50m² for detached or semi-detached homes.
• Your home is a flat or a maisonette. Sorry, permitted developments don’t apply to these properties, so you need to get planning permission for your loft conversion.

For further information contact your local authority planning department.

Further information

Do I need building regulations approval for my loft conversion?