9th August 2019
Improving your home takes an element of planning and consideration. However, there is a misconception among many whereby they believe that planning permission is required for any alterations that you make to your property. The truth is that you do not always have to seek planning permission to carry out work.
Of course, if you are making alterations that change the shape and size of your property or impact neighbours, then you will have to apply for planning permission. Under these circumstances, it is certainly best to seek professional advice. However, the following home improvements can be made without planning permission.
Loft Conversion
You can increase the space within your home by opting for a loft conversion, and the good news is that you don’t always need planning permission to do this. There are limitations that relate to the height you are allowed, but up to 40m³ is fine. If you are seeking additional headroom in the loft, then you can opt for the construction of dormer windows. However, they must not be higher than the highest part of the roof or extend beyond the roof plane on the principal elevation. MPK Lofts offer loft conversions throughout the Bath and Bristol region; as construction specialists they can handle the whole process and put any of your planning permission fears to rest.
Adding a Porch
You can add a porch to your property without the need for planning permission, provided it meets set criteria. Therefore, the porch cannot be taller than three metres and it must not be within 2 metres of any boundary that is adjacent to a highway. The space it takes up externally must not exceed 3m².
Garage Conversion
Often, our garages become a glorified shed used for storage – not many homes actually have a car in the garage. Therefore a garage conversion can be an attractive proposition, giving homeowners a chance to turn that dusty junk-storage area into a usable room in the house. 
Converting an integral garage that is attached to the home is permitted without the need for planning permission, however if you have a separate garage then planning permission will be required. MPK Lofts have been providing first class garage conversions in Bristol and Bath for over 25 years, and can help you with every step of the journey.
Adding Roof Lights
If you want to add more light to a space then roof lights are a great option. This can be done without the need for planning permission, providing they do not protrude more than 15cm from the slope of the roof. If they extend forward and beyond that of the roof plan on elevation fronting a highway then they are not permitted.
It is also worth noting that roof lights are not permitted on properties that are located in a Conservation area or an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Get in touch with MPK Lofts about all of your roofing needs, for a top quality professional service.
Internal Remodel
Choosing to remodel the interior of your property is a great way to increase space and alter its appearance. The good news is that this kind of work can often be carried out without the need for planning permission. This is particularly true if the work does not increase the overall size of the property. However, it is worth noting that even though you do not require planning permission, you will need to meet building regulations on structural elements and electrical works.
So, if you are considering improving your home but are worried about whether you require planning permission, it is handy to know what you can and cannot do. However, it is always worth seeking professional advice. Contact MPK Lofts by calling 0117 9478200 or sending an email to info@mpklofts.co.uk; our experts are on hand to deal with any of your home improvement projects.
9th August 2019