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 Exeter.
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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 Exeter.
| Type | Decisions | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Conservatory | 182 | 92.9% |
| Rear Extension | 1,079 | 91.5% |
| Outbuilding | 305 | 91.5% |
| Extension (General) | 502 | 91.4% |
| Dormer | 437 | 89.7% |
| Wraparound Extension | 57 | 87.7% |
| Garage / Parking | 818 | 87.0% |
| Loft Conversion | 269 | 86.2% |
| Hip-to-Gable Conversion | 72 | 86.1% |
| Change of Use (Residential) | 372 | 86.0% |
| Front Extension | 61 | 85.2% |
| HMO | 253 | 84.2% |
| Side Extension | 425 | 83.5% |
| Basement | 81 | 81.5% |
| Flat Conversion | 45 | 75.6% |
| Annex | 55 | 74.5% |
| New Build | 69 | 71.0% |
37 loft conversion applications in Exeter 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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