Loft conversions change your roofline — and that makes them one of the more closely scrutinised application types. Councils scrutinise visibility, overlooking and street character more closely than for ground-level work. Here's what the data shows in Belfast City Council.
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Loft conversions face more scrutiny than rear or side extensions because they change the property's profile from the street. Dormers, mansards and hip-to-gable alterations are particularly sensitive.
Two houses on the same street can get different outcomes.
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Not all applications are treated equally. Here's how loft conversions stack up against other common projects in Belfast City Council.
| Type | Decisions | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Conservatory | 122 | 99.2% |
| Rear Extension | 3,261 | 98.8% |
| Outbuilding | 332 | 98.8% |
| Side Extension | 1,426 | 98.6% |
| Wraparound Extension | 386 | 98.4% |
| Extension (General) | 2,030 | 97.5% |
| Dormer | 766 | 96.9% |
| Loft Conversion | 138 | 96.4% |
| Flat Conversion | 25 | 96.0% |
| Garage / Parking | 1,874 | 95.5% |
| Annex | 55 | 94.5% |
| Basement | 83 | 94.0% |
| Front Extension | 118 | 93.2% |
| Change of Use (Residential) | 1,551 | 92.6% |
| New Build | 428 | 87.1% |
| HMO | 219 | 86.3% |
5 loft conversion applications in Belfast City Council have been refused since 2020. Many of those homeowners had already paid for drawings and application fees. A free, property-specific report shows you what gets approved — and what gets refused — near your property.
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