generally, planning permission determines if a building can be constructed or extended, while building regulations manage how such building works are undertaken. Both are managed by your local authority.

(certificate of lawfulness) From 1 October 2008 a loft conversion for your home will be considered to be permitted development, and will only require plans and application for a certificate of lawfulness subject to the limits and conditions set out below: Scroll down 1. A volume allowance of 40 cubic metres for terraced houses 2. A volume allowance of 50 cubic metres for detached and semi-detached houses. 3. No extension beyond the plane of the existing roof slope of the principal elevation that fronts the highway. 4. No extension to be higher than the highest part of the roof. 5. Materials to be similar in appearance to the existing house. 6. No verandas, balconies or raised platforms. 7. Side-facing windows to be obscure-glazed; any opening to be 1.7m above the floor. 8. Roof extensions not to be permitted development in designated areas*. 9. Roof extensions, apart from hip to gable ones, to be set back, as far as practicable, at least 20cm from the eaves.

 The Building Regulations ensure that developments are built within a set of pre-defined standards to ensure safe building practices and good workmanship. The standards cover such things as the structure, fire safety, drainage, energy conservation and disabled access within buildings

Q Do I need building regulations approval Answer If your builder says you don’t need full building regulation approval think again. Research published by Direct Line in 2006 claimed that unapproved building work in the UK, which resulted in projects such as loft conversions being halted or even aborted, cost the affected homeowner an average of nearly £10,500 or a national total of around £313 million. Ill apply for retrospective approval Think again. 15% of retrospective applications are turned down. Hip to gable, rear dormer window, sky light conversions ?