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 Cambridge.
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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.
Check your postcode to see what actually happens near your address.
Not all applications are treated equally. Here's how loft conversions stack up against other common projects in Cambridge.
| Type | Decisions | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Hip-to-Gable Conversion | 25 | 100.0% |
| Conservatory | 135 | 96.3% |
| Basement | 48 | 95.8% |
| Outbuilding | 344 | 93.3% |
| Rear Extension | 1,044 | 93.1% |
| Dormer | 261 | 93.1% |
| Wraparound Extension | 158 | 93.0% |
| Side Extension | 556 | 91.7% |
| Front Extension | 237 | 91.6% |
| Garage / Parking | 736 | 89.4% |
| Extension (General) | 272 | 89.3% |
| Loft Conversion | 249 | 87.6% |
| Annex | 107 | 86.9% |
| New Build | 221 | 78.7% |
| Change of Use (Residential) | 228 | 70.6% |
| HMO | 30 | 60.0% |
31 loft conversion applications in Cambridge have been refused since 2020. Many of those homeowners had already paid for drawings and application fees. A £79 report shows you what gets approved — and what gets refused — near your property.
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