L-Shaped Loft Conversions London

Often when thinking of loft conversions, people envisage the new space as being along just one aspect of the property. However, for many properties, an L-shaped loft conversion in London is a practical and attractive option.

This is especially the case for semi-detached or terraced Victorian and Edwardian homes. Frequently they have an L-shaped footprint with an “extension” (called a two-storey outrigger) running off the main building backwards from the house. It’s a bit like the ‘return’ on an office desk.

In their original form, this shape created more accommodation for a given frontage. Now they present an opportunity for a loft conversion which can extend over the whole building.

With an L-shaped loft conversion in London, the potential for versatile additional space can be transformational. Read on to discover how you could benefit from this increasingly popular alteration to your home.

Why choose an L-shaped loft conversion in London?

More space, more light.

One of the great advantages of an L-shaped loft conversion in London is the additional space it brings. This means that your loft conversion can usually accommodate more than one room. 

Typically, it could be a master bedroom with an ensuite bathroom,  and perhaps a separate dressing room or walk-in wardrobe. Alternatively, you could add extra bedrooms or a mix of uses including a home office or studio.

With your L-shaped loft conversion on the top of your home, there are numerous ways you can ensure the new accommodation is full of natural light. 

Velux or similar skylight windows are always a good way to create a light and airy feel, particularly if Planning regulations make dormer windows impractical on one side of the property. However, an L-shaped dormer loft conversion means it’s easier to have conventional  windows and more floor area with increased headroom.

Dormer windows can be set into more than one aspect of your altered roof – one of the advantages of using the full L-shaped footprint. Alternatively, you might choose French windows with a Juliet balcony. What better way to capitalise on the great feeling of space you get from being on top of the house?

What about planning permission?

Planning Permission or Permitted Development?

Many L-shaped loft conversions, including L-shaped dormer loft conversions are within Permitted Development Rights, provided some straightforward criteria are met. 

The main conditions are 

• The size of the loft conversion must be no more than 40 cubic metres for a terraced or semi-detached house, and no more  than 50 cubic metres for a detached house. 
• Your new windows don’t overlook your neighbours or the shape of your altered building doesn’t overshadow them.
• The height of the original roof line does not change, including any dormer windows.
• You don’t include full balconies (Juliet balconies are permitted).

Many L-shaped loft conversions will be substantially larger than a loft conversion in just one orientation. Therefore, bear in mind the effect this may have on the need for Planning Permission if the additional created space exceeds the limits given above.

Remember that there may be other conditions that apply. 

• If you have bats nesting in your (unconverted!) loft, you’ll need a special license to disturb their home.
• If you live in a listed building or a conservation area,  you should expect additional restrictions or conditions to be met.

Securing the right permissions

If you qualify for Permitted Development Rights, you should make sure you get a Lawful Development Certificate from the local Planning Authority as evidence that Planning Permission is not required.

It’s always good to have the certificate, and a good architectural practice will help you keep the process simple and free from fuss or stress. Additionally, it will be of real value when you come to sell the house.

Look for a business that can run the whole project – from architectural designs through to the final Building Regulation inspection and handover – so they are used to preparing  and submitting Applications for Planning Permission as appropriate.

You can also take advantage of your  local authority’s pre-application advice service (most London boroughs have one), for which there is usually a charge. This doesn’t mean Planning Permission will be granted  automatically, but sensible use of their advice is always beneficial.

In all cases, ensure you are working with someone who has experience and expertise in the world of Planning regulations. Throughout the process, they’ll keep careful track of your application and keep you fully informed as to progress.

3D visualisation 

Look for architectural designers who use a mix of traditional 2D drawings, 3D modelling and photo-realistic renderings to create an accurate vision of your planned loft conversion. 

Building Information Modelling software means that experienced professionals can produce plans, 3D graphics, detailed design features, product specifications, and technical construction details – all in one go.

These provide a detailed picture of the project overall and can also be used as part of the Planning Application should one be required. Once these plans are approved, they become part of the blue prints used by your chosen builder. Your project manager can then keep track of every detail along the way.

Vision and practicality

At Divi Design, thinking ahead is our business. It’s why our practice is a combination of Architectural Designers and Planning Specialists. We pride ourselves on simple, elegant solutions to complex problems and on doing everything – no matter how straightforward – really well. We’d love to be part of helping you turn your home into the dream property you have always imagined.

We do L-shaped loft conversion all over London. Areas include (but are not limited to): Barking & Dagenham, Barnet, Bexley, Enfield, Greenwich, Hammersmith & Fulham, Havering, Romford, Thurrock, Twickenham, Waltham Forest, Wandsworth, Walthamstow, Richmond, Bromley, High Wycombe, Harrow, and Ealing.