Loft Conversion planning permission examples — what gets approved & refused
158,576 real decisions from 313 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: June 2026
81.6%
approval rate across 158,576 decisions
That means roughly 1 in 5 loft conversion applications are refused — often due to avoidable design issues.
158,576
Decisions
129,323
Approved
29,253
Refused
313
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
Alterations to existing detached two storey dwelling: replacement of pitched roof conservatory structure with flat roof and timber cladding; removal of dormer window to be replaced with velux rooflight; extension to single storey pitched roof garage to form 2no. car parking spaces; canopy over new e
▸ Replacing an existing structure is generally viewed more favourably than building new.
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.
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
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
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.
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
Proposed alterations, rear extension, new dormer windows and pitched roof over existing dormer window to front elevation, infill porch area and lean-to roof in lieu of flat roof to existing side extension
▸ A roof that matches the existing house signals good design to planning officers.
Approved
Single-storey extension to rear of existing dwelling to provide porch, utility and pantry; conversion of existing roof space including rear dormer to provide additional bedrooms and minor alterations to existing window openings, all designed to comply fully with the permitted development rights outl
▸ 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
Approved
Double storey side extension, single storey rear extension and rear roof dormer extension.
▸ Single-storey extensions face less scrutiny than two-storey.
Still scrolling?
You’re looking at national data. 18% of loft conversion applications get refused — but that number could be higher or lower in your area.
See what gets approved near your home →
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
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
Single storey side extension and loft conversion to existing dwelling
▸ Single-storey extensions face less scrutiny than two-storey.
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
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
Certificate of Lawful Proposed Development for the Installation of rear dormer to provide additional living accommodation, along with 2no. rooflights to front
▸ 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.
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
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
Application for Lawful Development Certificate for proposed use or Development for construction of dormers, roof lights and windows to front and rear gable to facilitate loft conversion and extension
▸ 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.
13/02520/DC
Approved
Formation of rooflights to front and rooflight, dormer, double door and access stair to rear of dwellinghouse. ##NOT REQUIRED##
▸ 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
Certificate of Lawfulnes for a proposed dormer to the existing loft room on the rear aspect of the house. No new access will be created.
▸ 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
The addition of two dormers to the front elevation - bedroom 1 and master bedroom
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
Erection of single storey rear extension, demolition of existing garage and erection of replacement garage with studio above and installation of dormer windows to front and rear
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
Refused
Proposed loft conversion, hip to gable end, flat roof rear dormer, porch canopy to the ground floor, front fence and railing and internal alterations to the fenestration
Approved
Amendment to dormer windows, extension to decking area and use of millboard cladding rather than cape cod cladding, variation of conditions 2 and 4 of permission BA/2025/0120/FUL - THIS APPLICATION WILL BE DETERMINED BY THE BROADS AUTHORITY - BA/2026/0004/COND
▸ Rear dormers are far more likely to be approved than front-facing ones.
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.
Approved
Lawful Development Certificate for proposed replacement windows and door to dwelling and recladding of front and rear dormers
▸ Replacing an existing structure is generally viewed more favourably than building new.
Approved
Certificate of lawful development for a proposed rear dormer
▸ 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.
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
Approved
Erection of a dormer extension and decking.
▸ Rear dormers are far more likely to be approved than front-facing ones.
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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