Loft Conversion planning permission examples — what gets approved & refused
174,770 real decisions from 312 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
80.8%
approval rate across 174,770 decisions
That means roughly 1 in 5 loft conversion applications are refused — often due to avoidable design issues.
174,770
Decisions
141,273
Approved
33,497
Refused
312
Councils
Loft conversions are one of the most effective ways to add space and value. From simple Velux windows to full rear dormers and mansard conversions, outcomes vary by type and location.
What these results show
• Velux-only conversions rarely need planning permission. Dormers and mansards almost always do.
• Rear dormers are far more likely to be approved than front-facing ones.
• Conservation areas and Article 4 directions remove permitted development rights — check before assuming you don’t need to apply.
• Mansard conversions face the highest refusal rate of any loft type, particularly in London boroughs.
⚠️ These are national examples. Your council could be stricter — or more lenient. See what actually gets approved on your street →
Real loft conversion decisions
Real examples showing what works — and what gets refused. Use the filters to compare approved and refused applications.
Approved
LISTED BUILDING CONSENT: Replace existing pitched roof with Welsh slate and lead flashing, replace flat roofs and cheeks of dormers with single ply membrane and Welsh slate, repair chimneys and install cowls to redundant stack, repair/ replace timber fascia boards to dormers and replace rainwater go
▸ Listed building applications succeed when design is sensitive to the original character.
Approved
Certificate for Lawfulness for proposed replacement of all windows with like for like UPVC with enlargement of living room windows, existing bedroom windows enlarged and juliet balconies added, changes to attic window opening, additional velux to attic room, replace existing velux with dormer window
▸ Replacing an existing structure is generally viewed more favourably than building new.
Refused
NON MATERIAL AMENDMENT TO APPLICATION 2022/0556/HHA (DOUBLE GARAGE EXTENSION WITH HOME OFFICE ANNEXE ABOVE AND SEPARATE OAK FRAMED CAR PORT - RESUBMISSION OF PLANNING APPLICATION 2021/0809/HHA) - TO REDUCE EXTENSION FOOTPRINT, REPLACEMENT OF LEAN TO STRUCTURE WITH OPEN STORAGE AREA WITH FLAT ROOF, R
Approved
Prior notification application for the removal of existing pitched roof and replacement with a Mansard/Flat Roof structure and a roof terrace to create 1no. additional 3 bed flat with solar panels on the top of flat part of the roof.
▸ Replacing an existing structure is generally viewed more favourably than building new.
Approved
Demolition of Existing 2 No. Dormer Windows and Part of the Roof Construction above the Rear Loggia Area. Raising the Rear Elevation above the Loggia Area to Create Enlarged Room Areas and Complete the Construction of a New Pitched Roof and Flat Roof.
▸ Rear dormers are far more likely to be approved than front-facing ones.
Approved
Certificate of lawfulness (Proposed): Erect a single-storey rear extension, and conversion of loft space to form living accommodation involving the insertion of dormer windows to rear and roof lights to the front of existing dwelling
▸ Rear dormers are far more likely to be approved than front-facing ones.
Approved
Demolition and replacement of x 2 existing dormer extensions to rear and side elevation; installation of new skylight to front roof; replacement of existing uPVC windows to timber frame windows to all elevations; replacement of existing front...
▸ Replacing an existing structure is generally viewed more favourably than building new.
Approved
Remodel roof to provide first floor dormer accommodation, extend kitchen, internal alterations and pitched roofs to replace flat roofs.
▸ Rear dormers are far more likely to be approved than front-facing ones.
Approved
Single storey ground floor extension to replace existing sun room. Roof alterations to enlarge a small first floor bedroom with 2 additional dormer windows. Install PV array to south facing roof. Replace various ground floor windows.
▸ Replacing an existing structure is generally viewed more favourably than building new.
Approved
Garage conversion with the replacement of existing garage door to a window. The erection of a single storey rear extension. A loft conversion with rear dormer roof extension.
▸ Replacing an existing structure is generally viewed more favourably than building new.
Approved
Capping of existing stone copings with leadwork to front gable; installation of replacement conservation roof light and replacement timber window to rear dormer
▸ Sympathetic design in conservation areas can still get approved.
Refused
Proposed extension and alterations to the existing single storey flat roof double garage on plot, for the creation of a home office space, including new pitched roof construction, dormer windows and minor external works including stair access
Approved
Erection of pitched roof over existing flat-roof extension to rear, 1 no. new dormer window, 2 storey extension to existing single storey off-shot, external stair and railing to rear ground floor, alterations to front and rear boundary treatments,...
▸ A roof that matches the existing house signals good design to planning officers.
Approved
Minor material amendment to planning permission 18/P/2649/FUL (alterations to existing conference rooms, restaurant and bar area to create 12no. bedrooms on ground floor and erection of first floor extension above with a further 12no. bedrooms (24no. in total). Alterations to existing roof and incre
Approved
Annexe extension to side of dwelling with attic room, kitchen extension at rear, dormer to main roof at front and removal of existing garage and canopy
▸ Rear dormers are far more likely to be approved than front-facing ones.
Approved
Enlargement of existing dormer windows, render to existing brickwork and installation of new windows
▸ Rear dormers are far more likely to be approved than front-facing ones.
Approved
The application seeks to confirm that an existing development consisting of a two-storey rear and single storey front extension (including the formation of a first floor balcony with walk-through velux windows and two triangular shaped roof dormers) constructed at 140 Joel Lane, Hyde, SK14 5LN is la
▸ Single-storey extensions face less scrutiny than two-storey.
Approved
Remove existing 30 degree pitch roof and add new 45 degree pitch roof to incorporate loft rooms with flat roof dormer to the rear elevation
▸ Rear dormers are far more likely to be approved than front-facing ones.
Approved
Conversion and extension of existing outbuilding, construction of three car garage with gym above and construction of new three bedroom dormer bungalow and associated works.
▸ Rear dormers are far more likely to be approved than front-facing ones.
Refused
Non Material Amendments to planning permission 2022/0335/FUL - Remove first floor rear outrigger extension. Reduce projection of ground floor extension. Remove dormer to front elevation and replace with Velux rooflight. Remove external chimney stack. Remove brick plinth. Remove side window to utilit
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You’re looking at national data. 19% of loft conversion applications get refused — but that number could be higher or lower in your area.
See what gets approved near your home →
Refused
Non-material amendment of Condition 16 of 16/00708/FUL for the creation of additional third storey to original plot numbers 3 to 6 as shown on drawing number 7066 P 02 to form additional bedroom, a new dormer window to the front, and two roof lights to the rear. Plots to be renumbered 1 to 4.
Refused
Change of use of existing property (C3 dwelling house) to House in Multiple Occupancy (HMO) for 7no. bedrooms, including conversion of existing outbuilding to accommodate 2no. bedrooms, (Sui Generis Use Class) together with dormer window to the front and roof window to rear
Approved
Double storey side extension, single storey rear extension and rear roof dormer extension.
▸ Single-storey extensions face less scrutiny than two-storey.
Approved
Increase in vacant pub roof height and construction of a first floor side extension together with insertion of dormer windows to both sides of rooftop to facilitate the conversion of the building into 7 x 1 bed flats, demolition of existing garages, a single storey extension to existing vacant comme
▸ Single-storey extensions face less scrutiny than two-storey.
Approved
Details of condition 2 (external materials) of existing application 2023/1426 (Demolition of existing garages and erection of new, side extension and addition of dormer windows in existing roof) dated 26/07/2023
▸ Rear dormers are far more likely to be approved than front-facing ones.
Approved
Residetnial development:- erection of detached dormer bungalow (reserved matters
▸ Rear dormers are far more likely to be approved than front-facing ones.
Approved
Erect single storey side extension, increase height of roof to form habitable accommodation and erect dormer windows to side (amended proposal)
▸ Single-storey extensions face less scrutiny than two-storey.
26/0004/NMV
Approved
NON MATERIAL VARIATION FOR OMISSION OF FIRST FLOOR ACCOMMODATION AND DORMER WINDOW, FORMATION OF PITCHED ROOF OVER UTILITY ROOM AND INSTALLATION OF FLUE OF PLANNING PERMISSION 23/0483/FUL
▸ Rear dormers are far more likely to be approved than front-facing ones.
Approved
Certificate of Lawful Development for proposed conversion of loft space to create 2 new bedrooms including new dormer to the rear and rooflight to the front and internal alterations
▸ Rear dormers are far more likely to be approved than front-facing ones.
Approved
Application under Section 96A of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 (as amended) for a Non-Material change to a planning permission APP/20/01270: The change of materials and window design to the dormer, from zinc cladding to render as per...
▸ Rear dormers are far more likely to be approved than front-facing ones.
Approved
Details of condition 2 (external materials) of existing application 2023/1426 (Demolition of existing garages and erection of new, side extension and addition of dormer windows in existing roof) dated 26/07/2023
▸ Rear dormers are far more likely to be approved than front-facing ones.
Approved
Application for lawful proposed development for a loft conversion with hip to gable, rear dormer and rooflights to front plane, new ground floor side window and change from window to doors within existing ground floor extension.
▸ Rear dormers are far more likely to be approved than front-facing ones.
Approved
Replacement and realignment of roof, addition of dormer, new entrance to dwelling, addition to existing extension and replacement conservatory, Tottiford Farm, Bovey Tracey.
▸ Replacing an existing structure is generally viewed more favourably than building new.
23/00917/NMA
Approved
Non-material amendment sought to planning permission ref 20/01092/FUL for installation of 2 high level velux windows within dormer window
▸ Rear dormers are far more likely to be approved than front-facing ones.
Approved
Non-Material amendments to planning permission P19/3313/F to replace the front dormer with 2 no. rooflights, amend the rear extension wall and include cladding and to omit the external expressed timber frame detailing on the proposed garage.
▸ Rear dormers are far more likely to be approved than front-facing ones.
Approved
Alterations to Roof Terrace, Including Installation of Railings and Alteration to Existing Roof Dormer
▸ Rear dormers are far more likely to be approved than front-facing ones.
10/01600/NMA
Refused
Erection of dwellinghouse, formation of vehicular access and installation of septic tank (non-material amendment to planning permission 08/00611/DET incorporating change to design of dormer windows, formation of large pitched roof, enlargement of rear wing and reduction of car port size, alteration
Refused
ERECTION OF SINGLE STOREY EXTENSION, PARTIAL RAISING AND LOWERING OF WALLHEAD TO FORM FLAT ROOF IN PLACE OF EXISTING MONO-PITCH ROOF AT FIRST FLOOR LEVEL, INSTALLATION OF 2NO. ROOFLIGHTS, ENLARGEMENT OF WINDOW OPENING TO FORM DOOR OPENING AND INSTALLATION OF AIR SOURCE HEAT PUMP AND SOLAR PANELS TO
APP/2013/0028
Approved
Non material amendment - repositioning of dormer and rooflight window and addition of further rooflight (In relation to APP/2012/0483).
▸ Rear dormers are far more likely to be approved than front-facing ones.
Approved
Details of conditions 3 and 4 of 2020/1709 - (3) window details and (4) roof insulation, dormer and extension roof junction specifications
▸ Rear dormers are far more likely to be approved than front-facing ones.
Approved
Retrospective application for loft Conversion to create 3 additional bedrooms
Approved
Certificate of Lawfulness for proposed removal of hip roof, Erection of roof dormer to the rear.
▸ Rear dormers are far more likely to be approved than front-facing ones.
Approved
Erection of oak framed balcony and french doors with small roof dormer above.
▸ Rear dormers are far more likely to be approved than front-facing ones.
Approved
Lawful Development Certificate For A Proposed Development: Proposed Loft Conversion, Addition Of 3 Roof Lights
Approved
Application for a certificate of lawfulness for a proposed rear dormer, two rooflights on front elevation and new window side elevation
▸ Rear dormers are far more likely to be approved than front-facing ones.
Refused
Adapt roof pitch, installation of patio doors on the front elevation, and installation of dormer within the roof slope
Refused
Retrospective Conversion and reuse of first floor of existing approved garage from storage to tourist accommodation and associated works to include 1 no. dormer window and 1 No. other window
Refused
Single and two storey extension to dwellinghouse; and formation of dormer windows
▸ Two-storey extensions face higher scrutiny due to greater neighbour impact.
Refused
Removal of approved loft conversion application number 1/0373/2024/FUL and construction of a new first-floor extension over approved single storey side extension
Approved
Alterations to previously approved planning consent DM/2021/01296: Two additional dormers located on front elevation.
▸ Rear dormers are far more likely to be approved than front-facing ones.
09/01108/APP
Approved
Alterations and dormer extension to dwellinghouse and erection of garage
▸ Rear dormers are far more likely to be approved than front-facing ones.
Approved
Alterations to dwelling - re-position of rear dormer windows
▸ Rear dormers are far more likely to be approved than front-facing ones.
Approved
Certificate of lawful development for a proposed rear dormer
▸ Rear dormers are far more likely to be approved than front-facing ones.
Refused
Certificate of Proposed Lawful Development for the change of use from a dwellinghouse (C3) to HMO (C4) and addition of rear dormer
09/198/PPF
Refused
Extend a house, install a dormer window, demolish outbuilding to form courtyard and fell mature tree
Refused
Erection of two bedroom dormer bungalow to rear garden
Refused
Proposed front dormer window to dwelling and retrospective garden room (amended proposal description).
Refused
Erection Of 1no. Dormer Bungalow (Revised Application)
12/01655/LBC
Refused
Alterations and installation of two dormer windows
Refused
Erection of front and rear dormer windows to dwelling.
Related guides
Loft conversion planning rules explained Do I need planning permission for a dormer window?Before you spend £2,000+ on drawings — and risk getting refused
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