First Choice Amongst Loft Conversion Companies in Banstead | Perfect Lofts

When you start to get the feeling you could use more space, either because of a new addition to the family, a burgeoning hobby, or simply a sense of wanting to “spread out” a bit more – there are a number of options you can take. You could go the drastic route, upping sticks and moving. But moving home can prove expensive, stressful, and simply too extreme an option – after all, you might otherwise like your property and the area you live in. You could invest in an extension; but again, these can prove expensive, and take a long time to complete. This is where loft conversion companies, such as Perfect Lofts near Banstead, can prove invaluable…

Instead of the prior options, you look to transform underused or entirely unused space into a vital part of your home. The attic is an ideal target here, alongside the garage, as both are so often employed as added storage. Once collecting junk or seldom used objects, they become extra bedrooms, offices, games rooms, home cinemas, gyms or whatever else you’d like, under the guidance of time served loft conversions specialists. However, one question remains, one often asked us by our Banstead clients… will I need planning permission? For the third blog post in our first series of articles, we’ve looked to answer this question.

Do I Need Planning Permission for My Loft Conversion?

Firstly, a few simple answers: if your property currently stands in a conservation area within Banstead, you will invariably require permission. The best loft conversion companies will offer help with the application process to ensure minimal compromise when it comes to your designs; the loft conversion specialists at Perfect Lofts are no different. If you live in a top floor flat or maisonette, you will also need to get the formal go ahead from Banstead’s planning authority.

If you don’t fall into these categories, it will be worth investigating whether your plans fall under permitted development rights. These regulations allow work to go ahead without official permission if the work doesn’t involve major structural changes to the roof’s structure. If your roof requires minimal alteration to create the space required for end use, there’s a good chance you can get going right away. Our loft conversion specialists, who cover not just Banstead but all locales within Surrey, Sussex and Kent, can advise you here should you be unsure.

Restrictions are very specific, and available on the government’s Planning Portal website. Some examples include:

• 40 cubic metres of additional roof space can be added (for terraced homes)
• 50 cubic metres of additional roof space can be added (for semi-detached homes)
• No balconies or verandas
• No extension can be built higher than the uppermost part of the roof
• Materials must be of a similar material to existing property

While permitted development is a convenience, having to apply for permission is not the end of the world. Loft conversion companies like our own will provide advice, and guide you through the process. As loft conversion specialists, we know exactly what is likely to go through first time, and what will likely be rejected. After all, we’ve delivered many projects in Banstead and its surrounds!