Loft conversions and dormers in Bolton
1,715 applications since 2016. 1,333 approved and 276 refused. Refused: about 1 in 6 here, about 1 in 6 across the councils we cover.
Last updated 9 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 | 46 | 16 |
| 2025 | 108 | 76 | 30 |
| 2024 | 155 | 116 | 36 |
| 2023 | 174 | 123 | 45 |
| 2022 | 181 | 143 | 24 |
| 2021 | 238 | 192 | 30 |
| 2020 | 183 | 149 | 24 |
| 2019 | 173 | 156 | 11 |
| 2018 | 139 | 121 | 15 |
| 2017 | 141 | 111 | 21 |
| 2016 | 131 | 100 | 24 |
Architects and agents, last 5 years
| Firm | Approved | Decided |
|---|---|---|
| SMS Architecture | 92 | 113 |
| RA Design & Project Management Ltd | 39 | 60 |
| SHWilkinson Architects Ltd | 12 | 14 |
| PCE Designs Ltd | 12 | 13 |
| Y A Architectural Services | 9 | 14 |
| Ronson Building Design Ltd | 9 | 13 |
| SH Wilkinson Architects Ltd | 8 | 8 |
| RT Design | 6 | 11 |
| Ada Plans And Architectural Services Ltd | 6 | 7 |
| DS Design | 5 | 6 |
Neighbouring councils
| Council | Approved | Refused | How often |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bury | 987 | 103 | about 1 in 11 |
| Chorley | 1,744 | 194 | about 1 in 10 |
| Salford | 0 | 0 | none |
| Wigan | 459 | 101 | about 1 in 6 |