Loft Conversion planning permission examples — what gets approved & refused
189,226 real decisions from 271 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: May 2026
81.2%
approval rate across 189,226 decisions
That means roughly 1 in 5 loft conversion applications are refused — often due to avoidable design issues.
189,226
Decisions
153,721
Approved
35,505
Refused
271
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.
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
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.
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
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
Remove epicormic growth from Oak Tree (T1) up to approx. 8m. Remove lowest limb growing towards dormer (due to proximity to house). Remove lowest limb from Oak Tree (T2) Remove epicormic growth. Remove lowest 2 limbs from Oak Tree (T3) overhanging garden. (TPO P1/201/320 / Pirbright Conservation Are
▸ Sympathetic design in conservation areas can still get approved.
Approved
Non-material amendment: Changes to footprint, eaves levels, dormers, flat roof, french doors and slate hanging for application 20/00589/FUL
▸ 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
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
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
Refused
Householder: Proposed two storey side extension, three storey rear extension and flat roof dormer to front, including internal alterations.
▸ Two-storey extensions face higher scrutiny due to greater neighbour impact.
S/05/18C
Refused
householder planning permission for erection of single storey oak framed mansard to replace existing conservatory
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
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.
Still scrolling?
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 →
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
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.
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.
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
Lawful Development Certificate (Proposed) for a single storey rear extension, a rear facing dormer and the installation of roof lights.
▸ Single-storey extensions face less scrutiny than two-storey.
25/01295/CLP
Approved
Proposed loft conversion of existing private dwelling house to form new bedroom, new bathroom and installation of new staircase.
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
New pitched roof with dormer and ground floor infill rear extension
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.
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
New loft conversion with new rear facing box dormer; new side window, new rooflights to front; and other associated external alterations.
▸ 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
Householder Application - Erection of a single-storey extension and loft conversion.
Approved
Erection of front dormer for loft conversion to create additional bedrooms and bathroom at 1st floor level
▸ 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
Alterations to roof to form habitable space including erection of rear dormer to dwellinghouse (amended description 30.04.20).
▸ Rear dormers are far more likely to be approved than front-facing ones.
Approved
Demolition of conservatory and erection of single storey rear extension and formation of dormer to the rear
▸ Single-storey extensions face less scrutiny than two-storey.
Refused
Adapt roof pitch, installation of patio doors on the front elevation, and installation of dormer within the roof slope
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
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
Variation of planning application 7-2024-29358 Condition 3 Change of plans to increase size of dormers
▸ Rear dormers are far more likely to be approved than front-facing ones.
Approved
Certificate of Lawfulness for a Proposed Loft Conversion with 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.
Approved
Non-material amendment to change from three pane windows to 2 pane windows of the rear new dormer relating to planning permission 24/00098/HOU.
▸ Rear dormers are far more likely to be approved than front-facing ones.
Approved
Submission of details of new windows throughout the elevations; details of new dormer windows to Bury Court elevation; and details of new glazed notch and junction with masonry elevations pursuant to condition 13 (parts C, E and F) of planning permission 25/00750/FULL dated 10/11/2025.
▸ 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
Refused
Application for a Lawful Development Certificate for a Proposed Development: Erection of rear dormer window
09/198/PPF
Refused
Extend a house, install a dormer window, demolish outbuilding to form courtyard and fell mature tree
N/09/B/0515
Approved
Erection of first floor extension to rear, enlargement of front dormer and removal of chimney.
▸ Rear dormers are far more likely to be approved than front-facing ones.
Approved
Formation of Dormer Windows to Front and Rear
▸ Rear dormers are far more likely to be approved than front-facing ones.
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.
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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