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SPD Vs PERMITTED DEVELOPMENT - LOFTS

To get the maximum size out of your disused loft space we can explain to you the pros and cons of designing your proposed loft conversion either under Permitted Development or going down the planning route to get the shape and style needed for the internal living space for the new bedroom or ensuite you are looking for. The following article is a guide and can vary from borough to borough as each borough has a slightly different SPD policy so it can be confusing seeing a house with something you like and not getting it passed in your particular area.  

WHICH IS THE BEST ROUTE TO TAKE WHEN DESIGNING YOUR LOFT CONVERSION?

PERMITTED DEVELOPMENT (PD) - Lofts Explained

Permitted Development guidelines for loft conversions is laid out very simply. There are a few easy set guidelines to follow which are listed on the Planning portal in detail, but in summary, the rules are as follows:

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1. Materials must be similar in appearance to the original house.

2. Volume of enlargement (including any previous enlargement) must not exceed the original roof space by more than - 40 cubic meters for terraced houses, or 50 cubic meters otherwise. 

3. Must not exceed the height of the existing roof.​​

4. On the principal elevation of the house (where it fronts a highway), must not extend beyond the existing roof slope.

Must not include: verandas, balconies* or raised platforms; or installation, alteration or replacement of any chimney, flue or 'soil and vent pipe'. Side Facing windows must be obscure-glazed; and, if opening, to be 1.7 meters above the floor of the room in which they are installed.​ Construction must ensure that: The eaves of the original roof are maintained. (or reinstated) Any enlargement is set back, so far as practicable, at least 20cm from the original eaves. The roof enlargement does not overhang the outer face of the wall of the original house

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L-Shape Dormer Under Permitted Development - 40m3

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SUPPLEMENTARY PLANNING DOCUMENTS (SPD) - Lofts Explained

Documents which add further detail to the policies in the Local Plan. They can be used to provide further guidance for development on specific sites, or on particular issues, such as design. Supplementary planning documents are capable of being a material consideration in planning decisions but are not part of the development plan, unlike the DPD. However, they are an important consideration in determining planning applications.

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SPDs may cover a range of issues and can be thematic or site-specific. For example, an SPD can be a design guide, development brief or a topic or issue-based document. SPDs must be consistent with national and regional planning policies as well as local authority DPDs.

Loft Conversion Designed Under SPD Guidelines

PD LOFT DESIGNS VS SPD LOFT DESIGNS

PD loft designs are usually much larger in size than SPD policy designs allowing (if the volume not exceeding 40 - 50m3) full width, depth dormer, rear addition type (L-Shape) Style Dormers achieving two rooms. Following the PD guidelines will get you a certificate of lawfulness for a lower price than a planning application giving you larger living space: application duration, 8 weeks costing £103.

PERMITTED DEVELOPMENT EXAMPLES

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SPD LOFT CONVERSION EXAMPLES

SPD loft designs are smaller in size where the new dormer will need to be subordinate in size to the roof of the house and do not appear as dominant feature. Rear dormers should be symmetrically located and be 0.5m below the ridge and 1m set in from boundaries and eves. Also hip to gabe design would be classed as an in balce of the two semi's so are not favoured. Application duration, 8-weeks costing £206.

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We hope you found this article useful for your proposal we just want you to get the right results and not to make a mistake in doing the build the wrong way around as this could affect the sale for the next purchaser. Regards John. D.

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