ROMFORD LOFTS

Planning laws changed in 2008, meaning most loft conversions could be possible without the need for planning permission thus making the process a lot simpler for many homeowners. This law change means that homeowners can extend their roof space by adding a dormer or hip-to-gable conversion by 50 cubic meters for a detached or semi-detached property and by 40 meters for a terraced house. This is called the permitted development allowance. However, there are several exceptions to the permitted development allowance rule, namely, flats and maisonettes will always need planning permission. If the property is located or listed within a conservation area, or if the roof height is being increased then these will require full planning permission and meet the policy design guidelines of your local council.

Building control is a service provided by local authorities to ensure that any building work undertaken conforms to building regulations. This includes aspects such as design, construction methods, and approved materials. Internal loft alterations, even non-structural ones, may affect fire safety, so it is prudent to contact the local authority to ensure compliance with all regulations.

Normally the council will advise of their decision within eight weeks.

A loft conversion requires there to be approximately at least 2.2 meters in height from the top of the floor joists to the bottom of the ridge board. If not, your property might be eligible for several different types of loft conversion. Depending on the property’s structure, we could lower your existing ceiling joists to enable sufficient height required to construct a loft conversion.

If your neighbours object to your loft conversion, the local authority will notify them and any other interested parties for their consideration. They usually have 21 days to respond. The objections will be inspected by the public online and considered by the council officers based on planning reasons. The local authority cannot reject your application simply because some or even many people oppose it. They must always provide reasons if they refuse your application or subject it to certain conditions.

A party wall is an existing wall or structure shared with an adjoining property, such as the wall between two terrace houses. Since most loft conversions may affect the structure of a party wall, you will need to notify all adjoining neighbours. Typical works include changing the height of a party wall, breaking into a wall to insert a structural beam, and underpinning a party wall where needed. These actions are covered by the Party Wall etc. Act 1996.

A party wall is an existing wall or structure shared with an adjoining property, such as the wall between two terrace houses. Since most loft conversions may affect the structure of a party wall, you will need to notify all adjoining neighbours. Typical works include changing the height of a party wall, breaking into a wall to insert a structural beam, and underpinning a party wall where needed. These actions are covered by the Party Wall etc. Act 1996.

It is best practice to inform your neighbours if you are planning to convert your loft space. Pre-warning them of a pending planning application from the local authority can avoid unnecessary hiccups. The next steps include giving notice in writing to all owners of when you plan to do the work and how it will impact them. This notice should be served at least two months before the work on the party wall is due to start. Your neighbour may agree to work starting earlier but is not obliged to; they have 14 days to respond. Any agreement from other owners must be gained in writing. If an agreement on the work is not reached, an "agreed surveyor" can be appointed to draw up an "award". This award will typically set out the work to be done, how and when it will be carried out, and will include a report on the existing condition of the adjoining property. These costs are typically covered by the owner of the property converting their loft.

Throughout any building works there will always be some sort of disruption. With the process of converting a loft, most of these works (85/90%) are carried out in the loft area, therefore minimizing the risk of disorder. The only time you will potentially experience any disruption will be when the team breakthrough your existing ceiling for the new staircase to service the new loft area, this will be no longer than 2 days.

At Loft Care, we are continuously committed to ensuring the health & safety along with the welfare of our employees, contractors, clients, and the public. We are fully aware of our legal duties under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. Separately, we ensure the implementation of the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM 2015) in the domestic construction sector, guaranteeing these duties are passed on to the contractor.