Most loft conversions do not require planning clearance. This is due to the fact that they often fall inside your approved development rights. However, if your ideas surpass specific restrictions and criteria, such as extending or modifying the roof area beyond its present boundaries, you will need to obtain planning approval. It is important to remember that wherever possible you should seek permission from your local council. This is because each authority may have their own requirements and processes for approving projects. Sometimes councils will send people to look at the proposed work who will give feedback on improvements that can be made to the plan. They may also be able to suggest other types of development that could go in instead. If you fail to get planning permission then you will need to make sure that you follow all relevant regulations when carrying out your project. This includes ensuring that you use only licensed builders and suppliers, and that any works carried out meet with the approval of your local council. In some cases it may be possible to gain consent through informal channels. For example, if you are converting an existing building then there is a good chance that you do not require permission. However, even if you are converting a new property you may still be able to get away with it if the extension does not change the character of the building too much. It is best to check with your local council if this is the case; although we feel safe assuming that anything built before 1989 requires permission!