Flat Conversion planning permission examples — what gets approved & refused
4,417 real decisions from 198 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: March 2026
73.6%
approval rate across 4,417 decisions
That means roughly 1 in 4 flat conversion applications are refused — often due to avoidable design issues.
4,417
Decisions
3,252
Approved
1,165
Refused
198
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.
What these results show
• Flat conversions have a relatively low approval rate — councils are cautious about intensifying residential use.
• Parking is the single most cited refusal reason, especially in areas with existing parking pressure.
• Adequate bin storage, cycle storage, and private amenity space are increasingly required.
• Properties on main roads or above commercial premises face less resistance than those in quiet residential streets.
⚠️ 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.
17/3044M
Refused
Non-material amendment to application 16/5743M - Subdivision of an existing building comprising a dwelling and associated B&B into 3 dwellings and the construction of a two-storey side extension, single-storey side car port extension, dormer window, rear conservatory and detached garage
▸ Two-storey extensions face higher scrutiny due to greater neighbour impact.
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
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
▸ A roof that matches the existing house signals good design to planning officers.
Approved
Demolition of existing building and subdivision of site and erection of two 6-bed 2-storey detached dwelling houses with accommodation in roof space, dormer windows together with side balcony and detached double garage to house one and construction of associated access. (Revised scheme).
▸ Rear dormers are far more likely to be approved than front-facing ones.
Approved
Application for a non material amendment to planning permission 21/00928/FUL to delete plain claroof tiles and add sttafordshire blue roof tiles. Delete white external render and add 'chalk White' external render by weber. Cast stone by Ilam Stone in 'Natural' to the two front bay windows (below win
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.
▸ Two-storey extensions face higher scrutiny due to greater neighbour impact.
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)
Approved
Subdivision of a two-storey semi-detached dwelling into ground and first floor flats at 118 and 118A Tredworth Road (retrospective application)
▸ Two-storey approvals often involve setbacks from boundaries and matching materials.
Approved
NON MATERIAL AMENDMENT TO APPLICATION 2024/0499/FUL (PROPOSED CONSTRUCTION OF 1 NO. DWELLING AND SUBDIVISION OF EXISTING GARDEN TO FORM AMENITY SPACE FOR NEW DWELLING) - PROPOSED INCREASE OF 2M TO THE LENGTH OF THE PROPOSED BUILDING AND ADDITION OF A DORMER TO THE ROOF. MINOR CHANGES TO THE APPEARAN
▸ Rear dormers are far more likely to be approved than front-facing ones.
Approved
Erection of single storey rear and side extension, roof extensions, and alterations to the front elevation to facilitate the subdivision of existing 2-bed bungalow into 2x 1-bed dwellings, with associated parking and landscaping
▸ Single-storey extensions face less scrutiny than two-storey.
Refused
Retrospective subdivision to create a one bedroom semi-detached dwelling
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).
▸ Two-storey extensions face higher scrutiny due to greater neighbour impact.
Refused
Subdivision of curtilage with erection of a two-storey dwelling and a detached garage, and creation of separate vehicle access from the highway
▸ Two-storey extensions face higher scrutiny due to greater neighbour impact.
Refused
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
▸ Two-storey extensions face higher scrutiny due to greater neighbour impact.
Subdivision of retail shop unit into 2 units (Barber Shop and Fruit and Vegetable Shop). To include the removal and replacement of existing shopfront to facilitate the subdivision. (Shopfront alterations increase floor area by 2.4M Sq overall) (Retrospective)
Subdivision of retail shop unit into 2 units (Barber Shop and Fruit and Vegetable Shop). To include the removal and replacement of existing shopfront to facilitate the subdivision. (Shopfront alterations increase floor area by 2.4M Sq overall) (Retrospective)
Subdivision of retail shop unit into 2 units (Barber Shop and Fruit and Vegetable Shop). To include the removal and replacement of existing shopfront to facilitate the subdivision. (Shopfront alterations increase floor area by 2.4M Sq overall) (Retrospective)
2025/1760
Refused
Demolition of existing garage and erection of two-storey dwelling (1 x 2-bedroom) to rear of property, with associated subdivision of the site and landscaping with associated cycle and refuse storage.
▸ Two-storey extensions face higher scrutiny due to greater neighbour impact.
Approved
Listed building application for works to Platform 3 buildings, including the installation of three flueless gas stoves, new plaster ceilings, raised floor, fixed internal seating, exposed beer cellar with new lining to walls including waterproof wet room panels and glazed wall, installation of four
▸ Listed building applications succeed when design is sensitive to the original character.
Approved
Listed building consent for the repair and renovation including replacement windows, subdivision of bedroom, rewiring and associated works.
▸ Listed building applications succeed when design is sensitive to the original character.
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You’re looking at national data. 26% of flat conversion applications get refused — but that number could be higher or lower in your area.
See what gets approved near your home →
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
Approved
Hip to gable roof extension with rear box dormer and Juliet balcony. Single storey side and rear extension. Subdivision of house to form 2 flats.
▸ Single-storey extensions face less scrutiny than two-storey.
Approved
Retrospective application for the subdivision of an existing dwelling into 2 no. units and retention of a two-storey rear domestic extension
▸ Two-storey approvals often involve setbacks from boundaries and matching materials.
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
Approved
Request for comments by Bristol City Council on an application that crosses the boundary into an adjoining authority: - Demolition of garage. Erection of two storey rear extension to facilitate subdivision of 1no. dwelling into 3no. dwellings with associated works.
▸ Two-storey approvals often involve setbacks from boundaries and matching materials.
Approved
Subdivision of existing ground floor retail shop into two class E shops and conversion of upper floors into 7 bed HMO
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
Approved
Subdivision of existing office building including associated external works
Approved
Subdivision of flat to form 2 flats with external alterations to building, extension to parking, erection of mobility scooter store and landscape works
▸ Accessibility needs strengthen the case for approval.
Approved
Subdivision of existing unit into two units (both falling within class E use class). Certificate of Lawfulness Proposed.
Approved
Certificate of Lawfulness for existing subdivision of residential dwelling to create a ground floor flat and a first floor flat.
Approved
Listed Building Consent for internal alterations at second floor level to form via subdivision two separate office spaces.
▸ Listed building applications succeed when design is sensitive to the original character.
10/00349/PPPL
Refused
Planning Permission in Principle for Subdivision of Garden Ground to Form Building Plot for a 1½ Storey Dwellinghouse
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).
Refused
Alter existing shop front to facilitate subdivision of existing shop (A1 Use) at ground floor level into 2 separate A1 retail units
Refused
Application for a Lawful Development Certificate for existing subdivision to two flats.
P/VOC/2026/00028
Refused
Subdivision of existing commercial unit into 2no. commercial units, with new doors, windows and internal alterations (with variation of condition 2 of planning permission P/FUL/2025/02463 to amend approved plans)
Refused
Two storey and single storey rear extensions and subdivision of the conference r
▸ Two-storey extensions face higher scrutiny due to greater neighbour impact.
Approved
Non Material Amendment to Planning Permission 20/00443/PP -(Alterations, extensions and subdivision of dwellinghouse to form 2 flats, formation of patio area, retaining wall and formation of additional off street parking) - increase in opening between day lounge and dining area, reposition of attic
Approved
Minor Material Amendment to planning permission reference 15/00826/FUL to allow creation of additional entrance for internal subdivision
Approved
Subdivision of dwelling to 2no. dwellings. Retention of extension commenced under reference 20/01107/FUL.
Approved
Conversion and subdivision of upper floors of former retail/warehouse premises to form 30 No. self- contained apartments with car parking on ground floor and erection of 2 No. four storey extensions to west elevation (additional information received 24 May, 13 August 2018, 23 January 2019; amended F
Approved
Subdivision of retail unit (Class 1A), with part use as bar/ restaurant (Sui generis) to ground/ basement, and conversion of upper floors to form serviced apartments (Sui generis), external alterations include replacement windows, new front entrance, formation of new door/ window openings to rear, w
▸ Replacing an existing structure is generally viewed more favourably than building new.
24/02374/FUL
Approved
Subdivision of retail unit (Class 1A), with part use as bar/ restaurant (Sui generis) to ground/ basement, and conversion of upper floors to form serviced apartments (Sui generis), external alterations include replacement windows, new front entrance, formation of new door/ window openings to rear, w
▸ Replacing an existing structure is generally viewed more favourably than building new.
10/04216/PIP
Approved
Subdivision of a residential property into 2 plots and erection of 1 residential unit on one of the plots
Approved
Subdivision of Class E(c)(ii) professional services premises into four Class E(g)(i) office units
Approved
Non Material Amendment to planning permission 132489/FO/2021 (as amended by 135938/NMC/2023, 138008/NMC/2023, 140874/NMC/2024 and 142363/NMC/2025) to amend ground floor layout / subdivision of ground floor commercial units and stallriser details and vary conditions 9 (Public Realm), 34 (Highways Wor
Approved
Change the use of property from Class 7 (Guesthouse) to Class 9 (private dwelling) and the subdivision of the property to form two dwelling houses
NP/22/0319/FUL
Approved
Retrospective planning application for the subdivision of single dwelling into t
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.
Approved
Subdivision of 1 no. dwelling into 2 no. dwellings and amendments to Planning Application S/06/1345 and extension.
09/01280/PP
Approved
Subdivision of single dwelling house into 2 separate dwelling houses, plus change of use of agricultural outbuilding (sui generis use) to 2 workshop units (class 4).
Approved
SUBDIVISION OF A SINGLE DWELLING HOUSE INTO TWO OR MORE SEPARATE UNITS
Approved
Screening request for the construction of a series of 5 sub-dividable speculative units of varying sizes for business and light engineering, centre of excellence for food and drink production and innovation, a food grade incubation unit with subdivision, a speculative food grade unit with subdivisio
23/374/CLEUD
Approved
Regularise the subdivision of a house and use of a premises as a self-catering unit
Approved
Proposed subdivision of an existing retail unit to form two separate units including new shop front and rear entrance door.
14/01248/APP
Approved
Subdivision of use of vacant retail unit (Class 1) to restaurant (Class 3) hot food takeaway and erection of flue
Approved
Subdivision of unit and change of use from retail (use class A1) to betting shop (sui generis)
Approved
Retrospective application for the subdivision of one 3bed flat into two 1bed flats
Approved
Subdivision Of Single Dwelling To Create 2No. Dwellings
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