Technical Guidance Note 8: Loft Conversions

 Do I Need Building Regulations Approval?

Yes. Even if you only intend to use the roof space for intermittent use.  This does not include normal light domestic storage.

How To Make An Application

You have the choice of adopting one of two alternative procedures.

• Full Plans
  
  
• Building Notice

Full Plans Advantages:

You will receive a formal decision after the checking process has taken place.

An approval notice can be presented to financial institutions, solicitors, surveyors etc. when seeking loans or moving house.

You have the assurance that providing the work is carried out in accordance with the approved plans the Building Regulations will be satisfied.

Full Plans Disadvantages:

Detailed plans to be submitted.

Although normally you or your agent will be notified in writing within 10 working days of any queries the Council may have, a decision can take up to 5 weeks with a possible extension to 8 weeks.

Building NoticeAdvantages:

Saving in time and cost by not having to prepare and submit detailed plans.

Building Notice Disadvantages:

You must feel confident that the work will comply with the Building Regulations or you risk having to carry out corrective work after inspection.

Additional information may still be required, e.g. structural calculations.

There is no notice of the Passing of Plans, or a formal Completion Certificate.

It cannot be used for buildings which are places of work or to which the public are admitted.

Building Regulation Requirements

Access to the room(s) must comply with the Building Regulations, e.g. stairs.  If there is insufficient space to install standard stairs only then will proprietary ladders, paddle steps etc. be considered.

Structural calculations will be required for existing roof support alterations and any beams installed to support floors etc.

Dormer cheeks within 1m of the boundary will need to be constructed to achieve half hour fire resistance from both sides.

Thermal insulation will be required to all exposed areas of structure.

Important Note - If the loft conversion is to an existing two store building forming a three store building when converted, means of escape and structural fire precautions must be provided.  Half hour fire resisting self closing doors to habitable rooms, improved fire resistance to floors and the provision of an alternative means of escape from the top storey are all matters that will need consideration.  Further advice on these matters can be obtained from the address below.

Smoke Alarms

The provision of Smoke Alarms is required for all loft conversions.

Buy Wisely - Whichever type or make of smoke detector you choose be sure that it carries the British Standard number BS5446-1:200. If it is also marked with the British Standard Kite mark so much the better.

Smoke alarms will be required at each storey level and inter-linked.

The functioning of all alarms and detectors, together with their power source should be periodically checked.

How Much Will It Cost To Make An Application?

Whether you choose to make a Full Plans or Building Notice application the total fee payable will be the same.  A separate guidance leaflet on Building Control fees is available, and can be obtained from the address below.

Please note that this guidance note relates to Building Regulation approval only.  For advice on Planning permission please contact Development Control Group Tel: (01903) 221353 / 221354.

If you wish to submit a Building Regulation application or have any doubts whatsoever please do not hesitate to contact:

Building Control Group
Planning Section
Portland House
Richmond Road
Worthing
West Sussex
BN11 lLF

Tel: 01903 221344

E-mail: building.control@worthing.gov.uk

Minicom: 01903 204500

Fax: 01903 207365

Answerphone: 01903 214034

 

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