Permitted Development Explained
Since the emergence of Permitted Development, the opportunity to increase the amount of usable floor space at roof level has been realised by many homeowners across England and Wales.
In August 2010, the DCLG (Department for Communities and Local Government) published a document titled “Permitted Development Rights for Householders Technical Guidance”, which provided advice about how to interpret Part 1. This document was subsequently updated in January 2013, October 2013, April 2014, April 2016, April 2017 and lastly in September 2019.
In order to understand how to use the GPDO (General Permitted Development Order), it is best to look at a series of examples. This is Part 1 of a sequence of blog posts Bespoke Living will share, demonstrating how creative interpretation of the planning guidance can lead to cases of interesting use and the ability to almost double your existing footprint. In this blog we are concentrating on Part B – e.g. additions to the roof.
Putney Super Loft
In a recent project in Putney, London we used a combination of Full Planning Permission and Permitted Development (PD) to create this Super loft which almost doubles the current usable floor space of the property. This loft accommodates an extra two double bedrooms, bathroom and dressing area in the loft/roof level extensions.
In order to achieve this we firstly submitted a PD application adding 40 cubic metres of development to the rear out rigger of the property. This is illustrated below in the proposed side elevation. 40 cubic metres of volume is the maximum allowance permitted at roof level under PD in the terraced property. Since all the guidance was followed and we demonstrated this as evidence to verify the permitted development approach, the certificate of Lawful Development application was granted.
At the same time we submitted a full planning application for a full width Dormer to the main body of the house. To get approval the rear elevation must be sloping at 70 degrees, this is beneficial from a design perspective and we also designed the PD application in this manner. The full planning application was granted within days of the PD application.
It was then possible to stitch the approval together and build both the PD outrigger extension and then the Dormer to achieve the maximum amount of permissible development at roof level. It is important to note that the PD allowance needs to be formed first to stay within the rules.
This project is currently on site and you can see some of the site progress photographs below. Also reference our 3D model demonstrating the advantage of taking this approach. Every town and city has lots of period properties that can benefit from a Super Loft. If you have plans to extend your roof space, get in touch and we will ensure you get as much space and value possible from free, unused space in your attic or loft. It is a great way of adding that extra room you need, increasing the square footage of your home and adding value but also realising the lifestyle appropriate to you and your family.
3D Model
Floor Plans, Elevations & Sections
Site Progress Photos
