Civil Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
(6) Any alteration to a dwelling which is on:
(a) National Park land,
(b) land designated as a conservation area under Section 277 of the Act,
(c) land controlled by the Secretary of State and Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries
for the purpose of enhancement and protection of the natural beauty and amenity of
the countryside, under the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981.
Alterations to a roof resulting in a material alteration to the shape of the building are not
covered by permitted development.
Different local authorities interpret the rules in different ways, and it is therefore well
worth seeking the advice of the local authority planning officers concerning particular pro-
posals and their effect upon the existing property. To proceed with even the preparation of
drawings and specifications on the assumption that the proposed alterations to the roof
structure may be exempt could prove costly. Local authorities are empowered to enforce
reinstatement to the original if subsequent approval is refused. It is likely that the planning
officer's advice will be free; the formal planning application cost is not excessive and
would be money well spent if it forestalled a situation in which work was carried out and
then identified by a local authority and subsequently refused.
If the proposed loft conversion work falls outside that permitted in Part B, then full plan-
ning permission must be sought.
The Structural Impact on the Home
At this juncture the aspect of control on loft conversion is the Building Regulations. It is
often thought by the layman that exemption under planning will mean freedom to convert;
another fallacy is that once planning approval has been granted, there are no other obliga-
tions under the law and work may proceed. Planning controls concern themselves only
with the visual impact on the local environment of the proposed conversion, whilst the
Building Regulations are concerned with safety, health and welfare. Building Regulations
approval is required for all structural conversion work to any building. Building Regula-
tions approval must therefore be sought as the Regulations take into account the following
aspects of the conversion:
Structural stability;
