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  1. Welcome to Planning Portal
  2. Do you need permission?
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  4. Additional storeys/Extending upwards
  5. Is building regulations approval needed for additional storeys/extending upwards?

Additional storeys/Extending upwards

Is building regulations approval needed for additional storeys/extending upwards?
  1. Planning permission
  2. Is building regulations approval needed for additional storeys/extending upwards?
  3. Building regulations: existing walls & foundations
  4. Building regulations: new internal elements
  5. Building regulations: fire safety
  6. Building regulations: stairs
  7. Building regulations: ventilation
  8. Building regulations: energy efficiency
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Is building regulations approval needed for additional storeys/extending upwards?

Building regulations approval is required to add additional storeys to an existing building to make it into a liveable space.

This section provides guidance for adding an additional storey to an existing house which is no more than two storeys high. Requirements for additional storeys to houses over three storeys or flats will be similar but may be more extensive and possibly extend to other parts of the building.

The regulations will be applied to ensure, for example:

  • the structural strength of the new floor is sufficient
  • the stability of the structure (including the existing roof) is not endangered
  • safe escape from fire
  • safely designed stairs to the new floor
  • reasonable sound insulation between the conversion and the rooms below.

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    Further information

    The following common work sections give an indication of several other elements normally required to satisfy the requirements of the Regulations when building an additional storey on to a house:

    • Doors and windows1
    • Drainage2
    • Electrics3
    • External walls4
    • Internal walls5
    • Kitchens and Bathrooms6
    • Roofs7
    1. https://www.planningportal.co.uk/permission/common-projects/doors-and-windows/building-regulations
    2. https://www.planningportal.co.uk/permission/common-projects/drains-and-sewers/building-regulations
    3. https://www.planningportal.co.uk/permission/common-projects/electrics/building-regulations-general-information
    4. https://www.planningportal.co.uk/permission/common-projects/external-walls
    5. https://www.planningportal.co.uk/permission/common-projects/internal-walls/what-building-regulations-apply-to-internal-walls
    6. https://www.planningportal.co.uk/permission/common-projects/kitchens-and-bathrooms/building-regulations-need-for-additional-ventilation
    7. https://www.planningportal.co.uk/permission/common-projects/roof/building-regulations-work-to-an-existing-roof

    Disclaimer

    This is an introductory guide and is not a definitive source of legal information. Guidance is based on national rules, but additional local rules may also affect what permissions are needed. You should check if this is the case before applying or starting work.
    Guidance here relates to the planning regime for England, the policy in Wales may differ. If in doubt contact your local planning authority. Please note, local authorities may charge a fee for pre-application advice.
    Read our full disclaimer1.

    1. https://www.planningportal.co.uk/services/terms-and-disclaimer/terms-and-conditions

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