PlanningLens

Flat Conversion planning permission examples — what gets approved & refused

3,374 real decisions from 245 UK councils. See what actually gets approved, what gets refused, and why — so you don’t waste thousands on drawings for something your council will reject.

Last updated: September 2026

Category-level approval rates for these examples are currently withheld while we re-check how decisions are sorted into project types. Each decision below is a real record from the council’s own planning portal and links to it. Council-level approval rates are unaffected and remain on the council pages.
3,374
Decisions
2,497
Approved
877
Refused
245
Councils

Flat conversion applications subdivide houses into self-contained flats. Councils consider parking pressure, bin storage, amenity space, noise between units, and the overall character of the area.

⚠️ These are national examples. Your council could be stricter — or more lenient. See what actually gets approved on your street →

Real flat conversion decisions

Real examples showing what works — and what gets refused. Use the filters to compare approved and refused applications.

Approved
Re-point external walls; replace existing rainwater goods; replace external doors; replace windows with timber sash and case look-a-like; re-slate roof including replacing velux rooflights; and installation of new fire doors and bathroom suites (as part of works to accommodate a subdivision of the b
Shetland · Not Available · Fri 19 Sep 2014
Approved
Subdivision of existing detached dwelling into 2 semi-detached dwellings. Demolition of rear conservatory and erection of a single storey extension with roof lantern. Erection of dormer window to rear, removal of chimney stack, changes to fenestration and creation of a vehicle crossover.
Gravesham · Istead Rise, Cobham And Luddesdown · Wed 17 Sep 2025
Refused
Demolition of existing detached garage and erection of a single storey side and rear extension and subdivision of existing bungalow into 2no. 2 bedroom bungalows with other associated external alterations including external raised steps to the rear
Tameside · Dukinfield/Stalybridge · Wed 22 Apr 2020
Approved
subdivision of existing house to create self contained holiday let together with alterations and construction of pitched roof to existing entrance, two dormer windows to front elevation, part single/part two storey link extension and first floor extension to outbuildings to form additional living ac
Refused
Outline planning application for the subdivision of the existing residential garden, including the erection of a detached two storey three bedroom dwelling, with all matters reserved for subsequent approval.
Maldon · Maldon West · Fri 14 Sep 2018
Approved
Single storey extension to rear of dwelling. Two new bay window additions, one to front and one to southern elevations.Renovations to existing domestic garage and subdivision to create utility, garden room and storage spaces.
Approved
Listed Building Consent for subdivision of first floor bedroom to create en-suite bathroom and reinstate window to north bay
2021/1293
Approved
Internal subdivision of bungalow to create 1no additional bedroom and conversion of garage into ancillary living accommodation with associated external alterations (Lawful Development Certificate for a Proposed Development)
Barnsley · Old Town Ward · 9 November 2021
Approved
Part demolition of existing side extension, erection of single storey rear extension, first floor side extension. Hip to gable roof extension with rear dormer and installation of 2nos front rooflights. Conversion of property to form 2 self contained flats comprising a 3 bedroom flat at ground floor
Kingston · King George's & Sunray · Fri 08 May 2026
Approved
Change of use and external alterations to former agricultural buildings comprising grade II listed threshing barn and non-listed courtyard buildings. Partial demolition of courtyard building between proposed Units 1 and 2 to facilitate access. Single-storey rear extension to facilitate Unit 10. Subd
North Hertfordshire · Hitchin Walsworth Ward · Fri 07 Aug 2026
Approved
Replace rear conservatory with single storey flat roof extension with rooflight, alterations to windows and doors and subdivision of garage to create workspace with addition of doors to rear
Test Valley · ANDOVER HARROWAY · Fri 31 Jul 2026
Refused
Retrospective subdivision to create a one bedroom semi-detached dwelling
Gloucester · Abbeymead · Wed 20 Dec 2023
Refused
Subdivision of existing duplex flat in rear two storey offshoot to create 2 self contained flats comprising 1 flat on ground floor and 1 flat on first floor.External alterations to rear to window and door openings including enlargement of existing first floor bay window (Retrospective application).
Kingston upon Hull · Beverley And Newland · Fri 22 May 2020
Refused
Subdivision of curtilage with erection of a two-storey dwelling and a detached garage, and creation of separate vehicle access from the highway
Lewes & Eastbourne · Chailey, Barcombe & Hamsey · Wed 22 Nov 2023
Discharge of Condition 6 16 and 17 for 19/06166/FUL - Proposed single and two storey rear extension and first floor side extension to existing dwelling and subdivision of existing dwelling to form 1 x 2 bedroom dwelling and 1 x 3 bedroom dwelling and erection of new 3 bedroom detached dwelling with
South Downs · Liss Ward · Thu 25 Nov 2021
Refused
Demolition of an existing building to the rear of No.126 and construction of 2no. two storey detached self build dwellings with associated subdivision of the site and alterations to access, parking, landscaping works and construction of workshop and garage
Three Rivers · Gade Valley · Mon 27 Apr 2026
Approved
Single storey and first floor rear extensions and subdivision of existing flatted development to form 4 flats (2 additional)
Bedford · Greyfriars · Wed 07 Jan 2026
Approved
SUBDIVISION OF DWELLING TO FORM 3 ONE BEDROOM FLATS INCORPORATING THE ERECTION OF A SINGLE STOREY REAR EXTENSION (as amended by plans received 29.01.2026, 02.02.2026 and 18.05.2026)
Gosport · Lee West · Tue 02 Jun 2026
Approved
Erection of a two-storey side extension and associated internal alterations to enable the subdivision of an existing single dwellinghouse (Use Class C3) into two self-contained residential units, alterations to the roof of main house and addition of hard surfacing and vehicular access to the front.
Huntingdonshire · St Ives South · Mon 24 Aug 2026
Approved
Listed building consent for the repair and renovation including replacement windows, subdivision of bedroom, rewiring and associated works.
Stockton-on-Tees · Yarm · Fri 09 Aug 2024
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Approved
Subdivision of existing hot and cold food takeaway premises to create a convenience grocery shop, retention of a reduced-size hot and cold food takeaway, construction of a single-storey rear extension andf installation of an external fruit and vegetable display rack.
Basildon · Pitsea South East · Mon 28 Sep 2026
Approved
Change of use and subdivision from health centre (Class E(e)) at basement, ground, first and second floors and residential flat at third floor level (Class C3), to create medical practice (Class E(e)) at basement and ground floor levels, flexible health use (Class E(e))/office space (Class E(g)) at
Brighton & Hove · Central Hove · Fri 08 Mar 2024
Approved
Retrospective application for the subdivision of an existing dwelling into 2 no. units and retention of a two-storey rear domestic extension
Selby · Appleton Roebuck And Church Fenton · Thu 05 Mar 2020
Refused
Subdivision of existing upper floor flat into 4 self-contained flats, alterations to windows/door openings on rear elevation and installation of new windows/doors and rooflights
Lancaster · Bare Ward · Fri 25 Sep 2026
Refused
Subdivision of rear garden of existing residential property and removal of existing garage and associated outbuildings. Erection of 1no. two-bedroom dwelling, and associated works including the provision of appropriate access arrangements and parking
North Somerset · Long Ashton · Mon 29 Jan 2024
Refused
Outline Planning Permission with some matters reserved - This proposal seeks to develop a subdivision of the current land holding. The development includes scope to add #8 cabins, each cabin will be approx. 11m x 6meters as shown on the drawings. The cabins will be used as leisure accommodation and
Refused
Listed Building Application - Retention of internal alterations including subdivision of bedroom to form shower room and vestibule
West Suffolk · Eastgate · Fri 23 May 2014
Approved
Prior Approval for proposed change of use of first and second floor from offices (Class E) to 19 no. flats (Class C3) - Subdivision of the existing ground floor to form two dedicated access points for the tenants to access the apartments directly from Fountain Street North.
Bury · Bury East · Fri 11 Jul 2025
Approved
Change of use and subdivision of existing agricultural building into two dwellings
Cheshire West & Chester · Willaston And Thornton · Tue 21 Apr 2026
Approved
Subdivision of existing ground floor retail shop into two class E shops and conversion of upper floors into 7 bed HMO
Chorley · Chorley North West · Tue 08 Apr 2025
Approved
Subdivision of existing dwelling to form 3no. dwellings, together with associated external alterations and demolition, boundary treatments, landscaping, and hardstanding
Hambleton · Stokesley · Wed 04 Feb 2026
Approved
Subdivision of existing commercial unit into three commercial units and a proposed new front entrance.
Luton · CENTRAL · Tue 22 Sep 2026
Approved
Retention of the subdivision of an existing dwelling to form an additional dwelling and extension of existing vets practice
Mid Ulster District Council · Pomeroy · Wed 17 Sep 2025
Approved
Subdivision of existing single industrial unit into five separate units, external works include installation of new cladding to walls, roof, new pedestrian, vehicular access doors to serve each unit and internal works include reconfiguring to form five self-contained units through construction of ne
Northumberland · Hexham North · Mon 22 Jun 2026
Approved
Prior Notification of the subdivision of two existing office buildings to create 6 new dwellings.
Oadby & Wigston · Oadby St Peters Ward · Fri 24 Sep 2021
Approved
Subdivision of existing office building including associated external works
Rotherham · Boston Castle · 2019-03-08
Approved
Subdivision of basement flat to create two self-contained studio apartments including the erection of a single-storey rear extension
Sheffield · Stocksbridge & Upper Don · Wed 16 Sep 2026
Approved
Subdivision of existing unit into two units (both falling within class E use class). Certificate of Lawfulness Proposed.
Blackpool · Talbot · Wed 23 Apr 2025
Approved
Subdivision of existing retail unit (Use Class E) to create 4 retail units (Use Class E) with associated internal alterations and new shopfronts.
Bromsgrove & Redditch · Sidemoor Ward · Tue 02 Jun 2026
Approved
Certificate of Lawfulness for existing subdivision of residential dwelling to create a ground floor flat and a first floor flat.
Fareham · 2024-01-05
Approved
The subdivision of the existing first-floor apartment to create two first-floor apartments, and a first floor rear extension to form a dwellinghouse together external alterations and off-street car parking spaces
Gedling · Calverton Ward 2015 · Fri 01 Mar 2024
Approved
Subdivision of site to form residential and commercial curtilages with associated fencing, off-street parking and landscaping and Change of Use of former single-storey, veterinary practice outbuilding (Class E(e)) to Office (Class E(g)(i))
Southend-on-Sea · Thorpe · Wed 03 Jun 2026
10/00349/PPPL
Refused
Planning Permission in Principle for Subdivision of Garden Ground to Form Building Plot for a 1½ Storey Dwellinghouse
Angus · Monifieth & Sidlaw
Refused
Subdivision of existing ground floor flat to form an additional flat including use of basement (retrospective application to increase the number of flats in the building from 7 to 8).
Blackpool · Claremont · Tue 07 Jan 2025
Refused
SUBDIVISION CHANGE OF USE FROM RETAIL AT GROUND FLOOR AND STORAGE TO FIRST FLOOR (CLASS E) TO PART GROUND CHANGE OF USE, FIRST FLOOR AND SECOND FLOOR TO 8 NO. BEDROOM HMO FOR NO. 8 OCCUPANTS (CLASS C4) WITH INSTALLATION OF FIRE ESCAPE AND WINDOWS.
Bolton · Queens Park & Central · Fri 06 Mar 2026
Refused
Subdivision of a 5 bedroom property to create two houses and new off street parking
Brecon Beacons National Park · Not Available · Tue 03 Apr 2012
Refused
Alter existing shop front to facilitate subdivision of existing shop (A1 Use) at ground floor level into 2 separate A1 retail units
Caerphilly · Bargoed · Fri 07 Jun 2019
Application for a Lawful Development Certificate for existing subdivision to two flats.
Coventry · Upper Stoke
Refused
Two storey and single storey rear extensions and subdivision of the conference r
Dudley · Wollaston and Stourbridge Town Ward · 09-Jun-2025
Approved
Subdivision of dwelling to 2no. dwellings. Retention of extension commenced under reference 20/01107/FUL.
Chelmsford · Fri 19 Dec 2025
Approved
Construction of external rear stairs and single storey infill extension to facilitate the retention of subdivision of townhouse.
Dacorum · Highfield · Fri 25 Sep 2026
Approved
SUBDIVISION OF RETAIL UNIT (CLASS 1A) INTO 2NO. RETAIL UNITS (CLASS 1A)
Dumfries & Galloway · Annandale East And Eskdale · Tue 21 Apr 2026
Approved
Subdivision and Change of Use of Ground Floor Restaurant (Class 3) to Form Retail Unit (Class 1A) and Hot Food Takeaway (Sui Generis)
Falkirk · Bo'ness and Blackness · Fri 11 Jul 2025
Approved
Subdivision of Class E(c)(ii) professional services premises into four Class E(g)(i) office units
Leicester · Castle · 2025-12-04
Approved
Subdivision of land into two plots; northern plot for re-siting of caravan (Class C1 use) and the creation of a new vehicular access onto Station Road, southern plot for erection of a new dwelling (Class C3 use) with associated parking and landscaping.
Maldon · Purleigh · Wed 16 Sep 2026
22/01505/DIS
Approved
Application for approval of details reserved by condition 03 (Cycle storage) of permission 20/01458/FUL for subdivision of single retail unit.
Southampton · Harefield
Approved
Subdivision of the property into 2 no. flats (1 no. 2 bed and 1 no. 3 bed) with associated parking and amenity space. Associated changes to ground floor fenestration. (part retrospective)
Spelthorne · Ashford East · Thu 25 Sep 2025
Approved
Subdivision of consented holiday let unit to form two holiday let units, sauna, and shed; with associated access, parking, and drainage (Amendment of previous Planning Application 21/00521/PPD)
Western Isles · Uibhist A Tuath · Fri 04 Aug 2023
Approved
Proposed change of Use and subdivision of existing Pharmacy (Class A1 Retail) to 2 no. hot food takeaway units (Sui Generis), change of Use from Cinema (Class D1) to Pharmacy (Class A1 Retail) with creation of first floor for storage associated with proposed retail unit, alterations to facade to inc
Approved
An application submitted under Section 73 of the Town & Country Planning Act 1990 for a Minor Material Amendment in connection with the planning permission DC/25/140640 dated 4 November 2025 (as amended by Non-material applicaiton DC/25/14238) for the variation of Condition (2) Approved Plans in ord
Lewisham · Crofton Park · Fri 22 May 2026

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