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 New Forest.
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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 New Forest.
| Type | Decisions | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Hip-to-Gable Conversion | 21 | 100.0% |
| Conservatory | 504 | 95.6% |
| Front Extension | 340 | 94.1% |
| Side Extension | 1,429 | 93.6% |
| Wraparound Extension | 244 | 92.6% |
| Rear Extension | 2,533 | 92.3% |
| Extension (General) | 778 | 91.8% |
| Loft Conversion | 201 | 91.0% |
| Dormer | 658 | 90.7% |
| Annex | 118 | 87.3% |
| Outbuilding | 614 | 85.7% |
| Garage / Parking | 1,882 | 83.6% |
| Change of Use (Residential) | 296 | 79.1% |
| New Build | 149 | 65.1% |
18 loft conversion applications in New Forest 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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