L-shaped Loft Conversion
An L-shaped Loft Conversion is a fantastic way to add both value and space to your property. This type of conversion extends along two sides of your roof, providing ample room for creativity in design. The additional angles and dimensions not only enhance the overall appearance of your home but also allow for unique interior layouts.
The Benefits of Our L-Shaped Loft Conversion:
Increased Space: With an L-shaped loft conversion, you’ll enjoy a significantly larger living area compared to traditional conversions. The added space opens up various possibilities for room arrangements and interior design.
Abundant Natural Light: The incorporation of multiple windows in an L-shaped loft conversion ensures that natural light floods your new space. This creates a bright and inviting atmosphere, making the area perfect for relaxation and productivity.
Customization: Our expert architects work closely with you to design a tailored space that suits your specific needs and preferences. Whether it’s a cozy reading nook under a sloping ceiling or a spacious walk-in closet, the design options are endless.
Functional Layouts: The L-shaped loft conversion design allows for seamless partitioning of the space into distinct zones. From bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms to a combination of bedroom and office space, the layout possibilities cater to your lifestyle requirements.
Property Value: Adding usable square footage to your home significantly boosts its market value. An L-shaped loft conversion not only enhances your living experience but also provides a smart investment for the future.
Loft Conversion Planning Permissions
At Studio 20 Architects, we are here to take the complexity out of obtaining planning permission from your council for your project.
We have experienced loft conversion architectural designers and planners. They will prepare astute design and architectural planning strategies. You can rest assured that we will help you secure your planning permission with ease. Contact us now to speak with one of our experts in loft conversions about your project.
Frequently Asked Questions About Loft Conversions
What is an L‑shaped loft conversion, and why choose it?
An L‑shaped loft conversion extends along two sides of your roof — typically combining a rear dormer with a side/roof-over-outrigger dormer — giving you significantly more usable space than a standard conversion. This layout offers flexibility in design and interior layout, such as bedrooms, en-suite, home office, or storage, and allows for creative use of space under the roof slopes.
Can I install an L‑shaped loft conversion without full planning permission?
Often yes — many L‑shaped loft conversions fall under “permitted development” rights, meaning you may avoid a full planning application if specific conditions are met. These conditions typically include volume limits (up to 40 m³ for terraced houses; 50 m³ for semi-detached or detached houses), not exceeding the existing roof slope facing the road, not raising the roofline beyond the existing highest point, and using materials consistent with the existing house.
When would I still need to apply for planning permission for a loft conversion?
You’ll likely need a full planning application if your loft conversion exceeds the limits set under permitted development, such as exceeding volume allowances, protruding beyond the existing roof slope, raising the roofline, introducing balconies or external raised platforms, or using materials out of character with the house. Permitted development rights may also not apply if your home is a flat, maisonette, a listed building, or located in a conservation area.
What are the main advantages of doing an L‑shaped loft conversion?
The primary advantages include substantial extra living space, often larger than standard dormer conversions, giving flexibility for bedrooms, offices, bathrooms, or storage. The design allows abundant natural light thanks to multiple windows and dormers, creating bright, inviting spaces. Additionally, an L‑shaped loft conversion can significantly increase your property’s market value by converting unused roof/attic space into usable square footage.
How long does an L‑shaped loft conversion typically take, and what affects the timeframe?
The timeframe depends heavily on complexity, roof structure, materials, and required planning/building approvals. L‑shaped conversions are more complex than simple dormers, so they usually take longer. You can expect a typical duration of around 8 to 12 weeks. Factors affecting the schedule include structural modifications, number of dormers/windows, internal finishing, and any planning permission delays.
Get A Free Quote For Your Loft Conversion Project
Whether you already have some ideas about what you want or you would like to find out more about your options, feel free to contact us. We will arrange an initial consultation at a time that is convenient for you.
During the consultation, our experts will listen to your ideas and give you professional advice. We will also provide you with a free quote for your project. Please give us a call or send us an email to get in touch with us..
Popular Questions, you may be interested in
What is a planning application?
If you are looking to newly build,change the use of your land or building, or for a house extension this means you will need planning permission. A Planning Application includes details of your proposal which is then sent to the Local Planning Authority. LPAs will need to check you application and grant it so that you may start works. Quite simply, it is a way that your local council can check that the proposed development is designed with sensitivity to local guidelines and is suited to the relevant site, street, and area. If we did not have this system in place, we could find buildings that have no uniformity in their designs, form or function. This way, the United Kingdom which is rich in heritage can keep your home as part of it’s identity whilst allowing you to make exciting and necessary changes.
Local Planning Authorities are generally the local council borough and these LPAs will have guidelines and links to explain what are within your rights to make changes to your property. They are usually receptive to pre-applications, but since three years ago, most of the London Boroughs have adopted a fee for their pre-application advise. A good thing to know, no matter if you are doing a small single storey rear extension, a loft converson or a large new build – most LPAs take approximately 6 to 8 weeks to make a decision on your project.
How far can I extend without planning permission?
Single-Storey Rear Extensions: The good news is, if you live in a terrced or semi-detached house in 2020, Local Planning Authorities have relaxed the rules and allow for extensions to go to 6 meters . If you live in a detahced house, single storey rear extensions can be up to 8 meters in depth. Just be aware that if your property type is a flat, maisonette or in a conservation area, then you will need full planning permission.
Side Extensions: Side extensions fall under permitted developent if they do not extend more than half the width of the original house. You can extend a maximum of 3 meters as long as it is a single storey extension and does not extend pas the front elevation.
Double-Storey Extension: As of October 2019, new rules are being phased in which will allow homeowners to build extensions onto detached homes without requiring planning permission, under the usual rules of permitted development. This will make adding a two-storey extension to your home no more complicated than having a loft conversion. This doesn’t mean that there is no paperwork involved in undertaking a two-storey extension, but it will make obtaining permission for the extension much simpler.
Loft Extensions: Roof extensions/should be set back, as far as reasonably feasible by at least 20cm from the eaves, unless it is a hip or gable roof (measure the 20cm along the plane of the roof). The roof extension should not hang over the wall of the house.To be a Permitted Development any additional roof space created must not exceed these volume allowances: 40m3 on terraced or emi-detached houses, 50m3 on detached houses.
If you believe that your property falls under permitted development, the best way to ensure a positive result is to consult the advice of an Architect to ensure that your extension follows these rules which are applicable to all extensions:
- Materials should match the existing house
- No raised platforms, balconies, or terraces
- Single storey extensions should not be more than 3 meters high
- Must not be taller than the existing building
- The extension should not take more than 50% of garden space
Do I need planning permission for my proposal?
Permitted Development Rights are a set of policies which allow homeowners greater freedom to add value to their home whether it’s increasing your property price or simply to add floor space. By acting upon these rights you can extend your property to a certain degree, without the need for Full Planning Permission, which can be a more expensive and time-consuming process, as long as you comply with relevant rules.
This generally applies to the single-storey side or rear extensions, loft conversions, front porches, double storey extensions, outbuildings, solar panels, skylights of dormer windows and new windows or doors. However, even Permitted Development has its restrictions and does not cover double-storey extensions, larger loft conversions, flats or properties in conservation areas. Regardless, even if you meet all the requirements for Permitted Development, you will still need to submit your plans to council which they will need to check, and approve.
What choose Extension Architecture over Planning Consultants?
For a full planning application, you will need good knowledge of the local guidlines, an appropriate design and a full set of accurate architectural drawings. Many London Architects will do drawings but not offer extensive planning advice and submit your application on your behalf. On the other hand, Planning Counsultants have expert knowledge of regulations and can therefore play a vital role in obtaining permission for projects with complex needs, but where do both options leave you after your application has been granted…or refused? At Extension Architecture we understand that planning and building involves a lot of head-scratching, that’s why we guide you through the whole process, every step of the way. Extension Architecture specialises in design AND planning consulting and do not charge for submission and liaison with the council. We design, submit planning applications, building regulations with our in-house engineer, construct with trusted buiilders and offer creative interiors with our very own kitchen range. Why bother with the hassle if we can do it all for you?
Does my project need building approval?
Building Regulation drawings and control are very important because they insure the safety of people in buildings. Building approval means that your building complies with the national set of standards to protect people’s health and safety in and around buildings. Some examples of what building regulations include are structural calculations, fire-safety, insulation, damp-proofing, foundations, heating, ventilation and accessibilty. Once you have received planning permission, building regulation drawings will have to then be submitted and approved before you can start construction. Just remember, cow-boy builders are always risky business and Local authorities have power under the Building Act 1984 to enforce non-compliant building work altered or removed.
Do I need an architect for my home project?
Whether you are considering an extension, a plot development or a conversion, we are here to assist you in gaining LPA approval, maximising the potential of your project which in turn increases the value of your home. At Extension Architecture we offer bespoke packages to suit your budget, ensuring you get the perfect solution for you.
How do I envision how your proposed design will look?
We always provide 2D architectural drawings which detail the design in question. In more complex cases, we can provide 3D visualisations to bring your concepts to life and accurately display the proposed works.
How do I go about applying for planning permission?
A site assessment will be carried out, either in person or remotely, which will gather information on the existing site. After this, initial drawings are produced and options are discussed with our consultants which leads to amended drawings being made until both parties are happy. At this stage, the application is submitted to the local authority.
How do I get a free quote?
All you need to do is fill out our online form which provides us with more information about your project, this way we can get back to you with a more accurate quote. If you would prefer to speak to one of our planning consultants directly, you can call us on 0203 409 4215.