Flat Conversion planning permission examples — what gets approved & refused
4,158 real decisions from 266 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: August 2026
73.6%
approval rate across 4,158 decisions
That means roughly 1 in 4 flat conversion applications are refused — often due to avoidable design issues.
4,158
Decisions
3,060
Approved
1,098
Refused
266
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.
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
▸ Replacing an existing structure is generally viewed more favourably than building new.
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.
▸ Single-storey extensions face less scrutiny than two-storey.
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.
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.
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.
▸ Single-storey extensions face less scrutiny than two-storey.
Approved
Listed Building Consent for subdivision of first floor bedroom to create en-suite bathroom and reinstate window to north bay
▸ Listed building applications succeed when design is sensitive to the original character.
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
▸ Single-storey extensions face less scrutiny than two-storey.
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
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
▸ Single-storey extensions face less scrutiny than two-storey.
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
▸ Listed building applications succeed when design is sensitive to the original character.
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)
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
▸ Two-storey extensions face higher scrutiny due to greater neighbour impact.
Approved
Single storey and first floor rear extensions and subdivision of existing flatted development to form 4 flats (2 additional)
▸ Single-storey extensions face less scrutiny than two-storey.
Still scrolling?
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
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)
▸ Single-storey extensions face less scrutiny than two-storey.
Approved
Discharge of Condition 5 (noise assessment) of planning permission 5/2025/1491 dated 25/11/2025 for Variation of Condition 2 (approved plans) to facilitate slight changes to the elevations and floor plans, including the subdivision of an existing bedroom
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.
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
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
Refused
Part demolition of existing dwelling, first floor roof extension and subdivision into 2 dwellings, including altered access, landscaping and new front wall.
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
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
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.
▸ Prior approval applications that meet the criteria are rarely refused.
Approved
Change of use and subdivision of existing agricultural building into two dwellings
Approved
Subdivision of existing ground floor retail shop into two class E shops and conversion of upper floors into 7 bed HMO
Approved
Subdivision of existing dwelling to form 3no. dwellings, together with associated external alterations and demolition, boundary treatments, landscaping, and hardstanding
Approved
Retention of the subdivision of an existing dwelling to form an additional dwelling and extension of existing vets practice
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
Approved
Prior Notification of the subdivision of two existing office buildings to create 6 new dwellings.
Approved
Subdivision of existing office building including associated external works
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))
Approved
Subdivision of existing unit into two units (both falling within class E use class). Certificate of Lawfulness Proposed.
Approved
Subdivision of existing retail unit (Use Class E) to create 4 retail units (Use Class E) with associated internal alterations and new shopfronts.
Approved
Certificate of Lawfulness for existing subdivision of residential dwelling to create a ground floor flat and a first floor flat.
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
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
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.
Refused
Erection of two storey side extension and subdivision of existing first floor flat to 2no. 1 bed flats, with access and provision for car parking to rear.
▸ Two-storey extensions face higher scrutiny due to greater neighbour impact.
Approved
Subdivision of previously approved single apartment into two apartments with balconies (amendments to planning permission 19/01402/FULL)
Approved
Subdivision of dwelling to 2no. dwellings. Retention of extension commenced under reference 20/01107/FUL.
Approved
SUBDIVISION OF RETAIL UNIT (CLASS 1A) INTO 2NO. RETAIL UNITS (CLASS 1A)
Approved
Subdivision and Change of Use of Ground Floor Restaurant (Class 3) to Form Retail Unit (Class 1A) and Hot Food Takeaway (Sui Generis)
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 amendments to permission 180823 (granted on 13/09/2018 for subdivision and change of use of a single unit to form 5 units andassociated works) to alter the subdivision layout and align the approval with the as-built scheme (sought retrospectively).
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 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)
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)
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
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