Loft conversions and dormers in Hackney
3,000 applications since 2019. 2,026 approved and 628 refused. Refused: about 1 in 4 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 | 232 | 127 | 40 |
| 2025 | 306 | 234 | 52 |
| 2024 | 355 | 257 | 64 |
| 2023 | 385 | 257 | 70 |
| 2022 | 417 | 246 | 85 |
| 2021 | 548 | 374 | 124 |
| 2020 | 278 | 185 | 61 |
| 2019 | 479 | 346 | 132 |
Neighbouring councils
| Council | Approved | Refused | How often |
|---|---|---|---|
| City | 152 | 2 | about 1 in 77 |
| Haringey | 10,587 | 2,423 | about 1 in 5 |
| Islington | 5,127 | 2,190 | about 1 in 3 |
| Newham | 2,922 | 795 | about 1 in 5 |
| Tower Hamlets | 1,101 | 313 | about 1 in 5 |
| Waltham Forest | 4,458 | 1,223 | about 1 in 5 |