Planning permission for loft, need some advice if this is needed

[Puffthemagicdragongoestobed]

We are planning a loft extension on our semi detached house and got drawings done by an architect that are within the permitted development rules. Now the architect suggested to submit the drawings to the council to apply for planning permission.
We are wondering if this is necessary, given the loft extension should be under permitted development.

There is a chance though that planning permission is indeed required because the house has already had a first floor extension adding a small bedroom and the loft would sit on top of it. A builder pointed out to us that this may mean we need planning.

I am tempted to just go ahead with applying for planning permission anyway for peace of mind, even though it means extra waiting time and costs.
The problem is, no-one can really tell us, I have even asked the planning department at our council and they have no-one to advise. Is there anyone knowledgable on here who could advise?

Thank you

We extended under permitted development and still needed to submit to the council to rubber stamp.

Thanks Roowig. Was this via the normal planning permission process?

Depending on your agreement with your architect, he should be the one chasing the council. This normally falls under the design/planning stage of their works.

If any doubt, apply. The cost in minimal compared to the inspector not signing off on your work and you having to demolish the work you have done or undertake costly repairs. Although not entirely the same situation as yours, our neighbours did a loft conversion “under PD” which then failed and they had to completely alter the roof structure.

It sounds like you need planning permission as a loft conversion can't be built over a non original extension under PD. Your architect should know that.

Thanks wineymummy, that's what a few of our builders said too. Makes sense.

You've used up some of your permitted development with the existing extension, so you may need to apply for the loft.

That's what happened to my neighbour....if there has been an existing extension