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I was thinking of converting my loft into a bedroom in one of my properties. If I didnt get planning permission in the first place, what sort of problems could I have in the future.
I heard that if it had no planning permission then it wouldnt be allowed to become a 3 bedroom house, rather it would stay a 2 bedroom.
Also, if it was completed without permission but then I wanted to have permission granted afterwards, is this possible? Do the council look badly on this or as long as it conforms to standards, they could approve anyway, even though it has been carried out already?
Cheers
Simon |
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(not my area of expertise by a long shot Simon! but...) I have heard that planning permission after the event can go quite smoothly. It all depends on how the work was done. Did your builder follow all the health and safety regs, etc, do you know? Obvious things such as at least 2 doorways between a toilet and kitchen, doorway between kitchen and main fire exit, etc (neither of these examples probably apply for loft conv, but these types of regs).
I'd investigate permission asap - get some advice, at least then you'll know.
Not sure how it affects insurance, but certainly should come up from buyer's solicitors should you wish to sell.
John |
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Be very carefull, i brought a house which has had the loft done window in, lights, plugs the lot, but no regs the problem i had is if a tenant was to fall down the stairs and it be prooved the stairs unsafe or not up to standard then im been sued allso if there was a fire and the person could not get out of the loft and died then it's prison.
Not worth it if your renting it out, now if your living in it yourself then thats ok.
Alex @oakhillmortgages.co.uk
p.s. if your going to do the job properly then you might as well get the regs. |
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Cheers guys.
Anyone know where I can get the regs on loft conversions?
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Hi Simon, who ever your getting to do the job should sort all this out for you, simple.
Alex |
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Hallo Simon,
If its not too long after the event, I'm an architectural technician (based in London), that has obtained building regs approvals for many loft conversions. Apart from the stairs mentioned above, you will probably require structural calcs for new beams/structural posts. If you are taking struts out from the roof space, then of course, you must provide alternative support.
In effect, you are usually altering the geometry of the house in order to create the unobstructed new room in the roof space. If you have any further questions, please contact me.
Regards
John Lidstone
spcplans@aol.com |
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I have the impression that if the work was done a while ago then you can get retrospective planning. Is that right?
ie: you confess that you made without planning and that you are righting your wrong, and the council say "Oh OK, that's fine." ...? |
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or "please knock it down, it's an eyesore" (!)
you can get retrospective permission, butthe rules and regs will be the same (they're not afraid to ask you to put it back from what i've heard). |
