Welcome To Fulham Lofts
Planning permission is the legal green light to change a property. Sometimes it’s about big structural changes. Other times, it’s a small detail that doesn’t fit the rules. Either way, you can’t just start building — you need the all-clear first.
That said, not every job needs formal approval. Some homes come with what’s called ‘permitted development’ — meaning certain changes are already allowed. No red tape. No wait. No planning fee. But don’t guess. Always check before you do anything. Mistakes here can be expensive.
Plenty of buildings in Britain already come with planning restrictions. So before you make any big plans, check with your local planning department. Some homes are listed — which means changes are tightly controlled because of their age or cultural value. Others sit in protected zones, like areas of outstanding natural beauty.
If your property falls into one of these categories, chances are it won’t qualify for permitted development. That makes getting approval for a loft conversion much harder — and slower. Better to know that now than halfway through the build.
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No part of the home may be built higher than its current height.
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If your property overlooks a highway, you can’t build past the set limits. And ‘highway’ doesn’t just mean a busy road. It can include bridleways, footpaths, even quiet lanes. So check carefully. What looks like a harmless track could hold up your plans.
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The size of your loft conversion depends on the type of house you’ve got. If it’s detached, you can go up to 50 cubic metres. If it’s a terrace, the limit drops to 40. Go over that, and you’ll need full planning permission.
Should the development not be covered by any permitted development then an application will need to be lodged with the local authorities. It can pay here to have a professional on your side that will be able to argue the case well. Fulham Lofts are experts in attaining planning permission for loft conversions, and will complete such documents on your behalf. There is a fee of £172 to the planning authorities to make such an application.
You don’t have to get a Lawful Development Certificate (LDC), but it’s often worth it. Think of it as extra cover — a bit of legal backup in case anyone questions the build later. It proves you followed the rules on land or property where no planning permission was needed.
It also helps clear up any grey areas, like boundary lines, and confirms everything’s above board. At Fulham Lofts, we can handle the LDC for you. It’s especially handy if you plan to sell later — and the application fee is £86.
Got an idea for a loft conversion, but not sure where to start? That’s fine. We’re happy to take a look at the space, and have a chat. No pressure. Just tell us your ideas, and we’ll take it from there. Once we’ve seen the layout and heard your plans, we’ll give you a free quote — no strings, no sales pitch.