Case Studies Loft Conversion – Lichfield

Case Study: Loft Conversion – Lichfield

Loft extension plans for planning permission and building regulations

Domestic

A good friend of ours was looking to progress a two storey side extension and loft conversion as well as changes to the property’s driveway. Owing to the hipped roof form of the building it was clear substantial structural change was required to make this work in terms of head heights, structure and insulation.

Neptune Architectural were engaged to assist with overcoming theses issues through detailed 3D designs and thorough planning application and building regulations stages.

Our client was an experienced builder with knowledge of the planning process and yet saw the value in dealing with a specialist to navigate the particulars of this important conversion to their father’s home.

Type

Home Loft Conversion

Services

Structural Alteration
Planning Consultancy
Party Wall Act
Daylight Assessment
Building Regulations

Location

Lichfield, Staffordshire

Gallery

Proposed loft conversion with some complexity in terms of structure, boundary and overall complexity of design

Plans for loft conversion in Lichfield Midlands

Detailed building regulation notes to accompany planning diagrams for extension project

Architectural planning diagram for home loft extension

Building plan diagram for building regulations and planning for loft extension

Highly detailed construction plans for loft extension

From concept to 3D designs and on to planning application

We prepared a 3D model to illustrate to the client the complexity of the hip rafter, staircase and space arrangements for the proposed bathroom at loft level.

Progressing this design to the planning phase we ensured we had accounted for the required heights and went on to progress the formal submissions. During the planning process a neighbouring window was highlighted as being a key consideration. This could have derailed many projects. However, we have an in house Chartered Town Planner in order that we can prepare for and respond to planning issues where they arise. In this case we commissioned formal daylight analysis of the window concerned and managed to tailor our approach to demonstrate an improvement to the lighting within the room concerned such that the Council were satisfied and approved the proposal.

I work in construction and so strictly speaking did not need a Planning Consultant. However, I’m glad I did use Neptune for my fathers extension. This is because with David’s in-depth knowledge of the planning process and rules, he saved me about £500 in fees and avoided having to build an additional parking space which would have cost even more. I would definitely recommend Neptune.
- Our client

Building regulations and beyond

Progressing to the Building Regulations phase, we have worked closely with our Structural Engineer in order to progress the detail around the key structural changes. We have prepared detailed sections to ensure the staircase and head heights function as expected and we have prepared sectional drawings with precise levels information to document the changes needed to enact the driveway. All in all, we feel the design of this project yielded a strong positive result.

We expect development to begin in late 2021 and are looking forward to watching it take shape.