Loft conversion for top floor flat

[LondonMix]

Is anyone here aware of planning permission being granted to anyone carrying out a loft conversion for a flat in East Dulwich. I have a friend that is looking to buy a top floor flat in which the loft is part of the demised space. The agent is suggesting it can be converted into additional living accommodation but as its a flat, it must be done under full planning rather than permitted development.

I'm just trying to find out if planning permission is typically granted under these circumstances.

[red devil]

A search on Southwark's Planning Apps should throw up some examples...

http://planbuild.southwark.gov.uk:8190/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=externalDocuments&keyVal=_STHWR_DCAPR_9561801

Click on 'View associated documents' to see drawings/docs

[Lowlander]

If it's a house you can do it within permitted development.

If it's a flat you have to get permission

https://www.planningportal.co.uk/info/200130/common_projects/21/flats_and_maisonettes

Also don't forget liaising with the freeholder who could decline or ask for cash to allow it (and possibly amend the terms of the lease).

[LondonMix]

Lowlander I know full permission is required. I was asking for examples of where permission had been granted :)

Red Devil thanks for the Barry Road example. I'm used to searching the planning portal but wasn't aware you could restrict your search to flats. This is perfect.

[Lowlander]

LondonMix Wrote:

-------------------------------------------------------

> Lowlander I know full permission is required. I

> was asking for examples of where permission had

> been granted :)

>

> Red Devil thanks for the Barry Road example. I'm

> used to searching the planning portal but wasn't

> aware you could restrict your search to flats.

> This is perfect.

Sorry!

I was focussing on the lease issue - I would imagine the planning permission part to be a doddle and negotiating with the freeholder to be the tough part (as you will be increasing the value of the property and so the lease would need to be amended, even if you own the loft space)

[LondonMix]

Yes, that's right. I've suggested making any offer contingent on obtaining freeholder consent. The variation to the deed isn't too difficult as it can be done as a simple amendment but I know people who have had their freeholders consent withheld so you can't take it for granted.

[red devil]

LondonMix Wrote:

-------------------------------------------------------

> Red Devil thanks for the Barry Road example. I'm

> used to searching the planning portal but wasn't

> aware you could restrict your search to flats.

> This is perfect.

I don't think you can restrict a search specifically to flats, although there is an advanced search facility, so maybe you can with that (I used the quick search e.g. postcode, road name etc) I chose Barry Road as it has a large number of houses converted into flats, so I made an educated guess it wouldn't take long to find a suitable application, and sure enough...

[KatyLou]

We live in a flat and have had a loft conversion. No issues getting planning from Southwark and a few of our neighbours have since followed suit.

[LondonMix]

Thanks Katy? What street do you live on if you don't mind me asking?

[KatyLou]

Hi LondonMix, I have pm'ed you some more info.