DO I NEED PLANNING PERMISSION FOR MY LOFT CONVERSION?
Choosing to convert your loft may require a lot of research, and you need to answer several questions in all processes. It could be a very challenging thing as all answers should be wrapped in legal or construction jargon. You can easily get stuck in a middle way due to all these complexities. You might be thinking that how does your loft conversion falls under the law. To clear things for you, we have prepared a detailed guide in which you will learn how to plan permission and do permitted development.
It is critical to confirm if you need planning permission before you start making a change to your building, including your loft conversion. In planning permission, you need to ask a council if your plan is suitable to be applicable. They can accept or reject your plans, and you are bound to accept their decision.
Do all loft conversions need planning permission?
If you are residing in a conservative area or you live in a top floor flat, it is crucial for you to take planning permission before starting any kind of construction or building work. A conservative area is a special type of area that holds the importance of historical and architectural interests. If you do not live in a conservative area and have special permitted development rights, you can do construction; otherwise, you have to take special permission from the council in the conservative area.
What is permitted development?
If you have permitted development rights, you can easily convert your loft before taking planning permission. You only need to confirm with the council if you scheme appropriate according to the permitted development criteria. If your plan falls in their criteria, the council will provide you a lawful letter or a certificate by using which you can start converting your loft without worrying about the legal issues.
What is the typical approval rate for planning permission?
Between January to March 2018, around 116,700 planning permission applications were submitted in England. Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government only approved 88% of those applications. The approval rate of planning permission depends upon the area in which you are residing. If we take a look at areas, then in London, London boroughs, Croydon, Westminster, Wandsworth, Ealing, Barnet, and Hackney are those areas that have the highest number of approval ratio.
How long does it take for planning permission to be granted?
Sometimes it can take eight days to approve your planning permission. It also depends upon the borough in which you are living. Sometimes the approver may ask you to revise your plan and make adjustments to it if you want to get it approved. It may take a bit longer to get approved in these cases, but your request will be entertained properly.
What is a party wall agreement, and will I need one for my loft conversion?
If any wall of your house is connected to another property, then you need a party wall agreement. You have to inform your neighbors with you have the party wall agreement about any development of construction that you are about to undergo at least two months before you start the work. The party wall agreement assists you and your neighbors if you encounter any problem with them. This process is carried out independently. If you are looking for a party wall surveyor, then John’s brickwork can help you to get in touch with one.
At John’s brickwork, our aim is to simplify the construction process. We assign every loft conversion projected to a dedicated project manager. If you have any questions, you can ask them. Our customer support team is also very active and is always available to help you.
We are currently working in London and nearby areas, and we assure you to provide you the best services at the most affordable rates. If you are looking for any kind of construction work or need to convert your loft, feel free to get in touch with us.