Excited to start your loft conversion? Midland County Lofts are your local experts for designing, building and completing your loft extension or conversion, including dealing with all of the necessary planning permissions. When it comes to going ahead with your loft conversion, some people occasionally encounter neighbourly disputes and objections; however, our team are equipped with the knowledge of what can be done.
Loft Conversion Rights: Planning Your Build
As long as homeowners keep sticking to local building regulations and planning laws, they are typically able to make any changes they wish to their property. When it comes to lofts, most homeowners will not need planning permission as long as their build remains under the criteria for a loft conversion, including the height and volume of the extension. All homeowners must seek the correct advice though, from their local authority, an architect or a loft company such as Midland County Lofts.
Considerations For Your Loft Conversion: Avoid Neighbourly Disputes
As the property owner, it’s your responsibility to ensure that your loft conversion won’t cause neighbourly disputes and disturbances. You should avoid a build that blocks the neighbours’ natural light, or that would damage any shared walls. You may want to consider the style of your loft conversion and try to match the loft extension to your building’s brick, windows and materials, alongside your neighbour’s homes if they are similar buildings to yours. This way your home won’t stand out so much.
A Party Wall Agreement
If you share a wall or more with your neighbours and you are looking into getting a loft conversion, you will legally need to sign a party wall agreement. This agreement will cover the proposed designs and aims to prevent any disputes when procedures come to working on the shared walls, roof and structure. The party wall agreement provides neighbours with a written notice for the loft conversion plans. It allows time for neighbours to raise any objections. Midland County Lofts will be able to help organise a party wall agreement and work with surveyors to get the right permissions and settle any neighbourly disputes with compromises on your build.
‘My Neighbour is Objectiong To My Loft Conversion Plans’
Neighbourly disputes aren’t always avoidable and if your neighbour(s) object your your designs, then sitting down to discuss their concerns is recommended. Reaching a mutual agreement and resolving the conflicts will mean both parties can get what they desire with a compromise.
Continuing With Your Loft Conversion Plans
If your loft conversion complies with permitted development, has planning permission, and any necessary party wall agreements, your neighbour cannot legally prevent you from proceeding with the build. However, it’s essential to ensure that the conversion doesn’t cause harm or disruption to your neighbours. Should any issues arise, it’s advisable to resolve them through open communication and negotiation before considering legal action or mediation. Seeking legal advice or involving a mediator can also help in reaching a fair solution for both sides.