Loft conversions and dormers in Lake District
980 applications since 1974. 819 approved and 98 refused. Refused: about 1 in 9 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 | 14 | 5 | 1 |
| 2025 | 13 | 10 | 0 |
| 2024 | 25 | 20 | 2 |
| 2023 | 24 | 19 | 2 |
| 2022 | 25 | 23 | 0 |
| 2021 | 36 | 32 | 0 |
| 2020 | 23 | 20 | 2 |
| 2019 | 23 | 16 | 4 |
| 2018 | 26 | 21 | 3 |
| 2017 | 27 | 24 | 1 |
| 2016 | 20 | 16 | 2 |
| 2015 | 21 | 17 | 2 |
Neighbouring councils
| Council | Approved | Refused | How often |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allerdale | 539 | 72 | about 1 in 8 |
| Westmorland and Furness | 1 | 0 | none |