Loft conversions and dormers in Belfast
1,048 applications since 2016. 954 approved and 28 refused. Refused: about 1 in 35 here, about 1 in 6 across the councils we cover.
Last updated 8 November 2026.
Without planning permission
- Up to 40 cubic metres of extra roof space on a terrace, 50 on a semi or detached house
- Not on the roof slope facing a road, and no higher than the existing roof
- Materials similar in appearance, set back about 0.2 m from the eaves, and side windows obscure-glazed
England, houses only. Flats, listed buildings, conservation areas and Article 4 directions change this. The full rules.
Year by year
| Year | Applications | Approved | Refused |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 92 | 44 | 2 |
| 2025 | 101 | 93 | 0 |
| 2024 | 102 | 96 | 4 |
| 2023 | 99 | 96 | 1 |
| 2022 | 92 | 89 | 1 |
| 2021 | 134 | 131 | 1 |
| 2020 | 102 | 98 | 2 |
| 2019 | 77 | 75 | 1 |
| 2018 | 81 | 77 | 3 |
| 2017 | 88 | 78 | 10 |
| 2016 | 80 | 77 | 3 |
Architects and agents, last 5 years
| Firm | Approved | Decided |
|---|---|---|
| JEM Architectural Services Ltd | 19 | 20 |
| Conor McKenna Architect | 11 | 11 |
| Bryson Architecture | 10 | 10 |
| Mullan Architects | 10 | 10 |
| GMR Architects Ltd | 9 | 9 |
| Studio Idir | 8 | 8 |
| Robert Gilmour Architects | 7 | 7 |
| GT Building Design | 6 | 6 |
| Js Architectural | 6 | 6 |
| Carryduff Designs | 5 | 5 |