Is it possible to do a loft conversion in this type of property?

[Mr Sparkle]

Existing house is a 1 bed semi detached house

The property is unusual in the fact that there is a house (number 4)attached to the rear of the property (only separated via the party wall)


Then to the side of my property, there are two neighboring properties (houses 2 &3).

What I want to know is whether it is possible to undertake a loft conversion (i.e with dormer) on a house of this nature? Will planning permission be needed? Ideally i would like 1 bedroom with ensuite

I have measured the height of the loft area and it meets the minimum requirement

 

[mikeey84]

Have you checked that you have permitted development rights?

 

[^woody^]

No

 

[Mr Sparkle]

Have you checked that you have permitted development rights?

I looked at the what classifies as PD but thought i'd ask here whether it is possible due to the nature of the building

No

Why is it not possible?

 

[^woody^]

Trusses?

Not a house so no PD.

And what "minimum requirement" have you measured for a loft? Is this a new requirement?
Have you deducted 3-400mm to allow for lowered headroom and raised floor?

 

[Mr Sparkle]

Trusses?

Not a house so no PD.

And what "minimum requirement" have you measured for a loft? Is this a new requirement?
Have you deducted 3-400mm to allow for lowered headroom and raised floor?

The property was classified as a freehold house by the surveyor, morgage lender and epc assessor, so that is surprising

But what would you define it as?

Regarding the minimum requirement, I was referring to the ceiling height. Doing a bit of reading, the document stated that the roof height should be at least 2.2m. The roof space meets this requirement

 

[^woody^]

Regarding the minimum requirement, I was referring to the ceiling height. Doing a bit of reading, the document stated that the roof height should be at least 2.2m. The roof space meets this requirement

But have you allowed for raising the floor and lowering the head height?

Under planning rules that may not be a house, despite looking like one

 

[noseall]

The roof space meets this requirement

And the stairs take up the space of half a bedroom.

 

[Mr Sparkle]

But have you allowed for raising the floor and lowering the head height?

Under planning rules that may not be a house, despite looking like one

i'll have to remeasure.

Who can give me a definitive answer on whether this is considered a house?

 

[^woody^]

Who can give me a definitive answer on whether this is considered a house?

Your planning dept

 

[Mr Sparkle]

Your planning dept

Thanks.

I assume that i will have to pay for them to come out and confirm?

 

[Mr Sparkle]

The local architect said that I should look at the original planning documents for any restrictions on whether I can create the dormer loft conversion

Having checked the document, there are no such restrictions from the council

I also emailed the planning department to ask whether the property has permitted development right. They responded by saying that the property 'should have permitted development rights'.

Is there anything else, or can I crack on with the loft?

 

[jacko555]

Party Wall notices?

 

[Mr Sparkle]

Party Wall notices?

Thanks for the heads up. I'd better crack on with this early.

 

[jacko555]

If it applies, no idea not a builder. Am guessing it may but who knows