Loft conversions are a great addition to any household, allowing you to increase the space without having to move home. Planning permission is not typically required for a loft conversion, unless you need to alter and extend the roof space. In that case, your converted loft must fit with a set of conditions and requirements for planning permission to be unnecessary.

Planning permission requirements

Your roof enlargement for your conversion cannot be taller than your existing roof, instead you must extend outwards rather than up. The roof extension must not overhang the original front wall too so you must stay within your exiting roof boundaries. To imagine this, you can visualise a dormer window extending from your roof but staying within the roof limits.

There’s a volume restriction of 40 cubic metres for terraced houses, and 50 cubic metres for both detached and semi-detached houses. This includes any previous roof alterations that may have been undertaken by a previous homeowner.

Building regulations

To convert your loft into a liveable space, an area that you plan to use as a normal room of your house, you may need Building regulations approval. These regulations are designed to ensure that your property remains safe in terms of the loft’s structural strength, stability and insulation. If you need to install stairs to the loft conversion, Building Control will check the safety of the stairs and if they are suitable as a fire exit route.

It is recommended to contact Building Control if you’re considering a loft conversion. You can find more information on loft conversion regulations from Planning Portal.

Metrotile’s steel roofing is ideal for loft conversions, and is often a popular choice due to its lightweight features and 40 year guarantee. For more information on our roof tiles, you can call us on 01249 658 514 or contact us online.