This page covers parts of 2 councils. Most of the area (10 of 14 census neighbourhoods) is in Windsor and Maidenhead, with 4 in Bracknell Forest. Planning applications and building control go to the council your address is in. Find your council on GOV.UK.
Many loft conversions can be built without planning permission under permitted development rights, within limits: up to 40m³ of extra roof space for a terraced house and 50m³ for other houses, nothing higher than the existing roof, and nothing beyond the front roof slope facing a road. These rights do not apply in conservation areas. Read more in our planning guide for Windsor and Maidenhead.
Conservation areas (1)
If your home is in one of these, a dormer or other roof enlargement will normally need planning permission:
From each council's official list. Check Windsor and Maidenhead's conservation areas. Check Bracknell Forest's conservation areas. Boundaries can change, so check your address on the council's map.
Building control fees
Every loft conversion needs building regulations approval. The council's published charges for a loft conversion (including VAT):
Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead
- Loft conversion without dormer (max 60m²): £912 full plans, £1,049 building notice
- Loft conversion that includes dormer or changes to the roof line (max 60m²): £1,092 full plans, £1,256 building notice
Effective from 1 April 2026. Source.
Bracknell Forest Council
- Loft conversion: £1,310 full plans
Retrieved September 2026; the council does not state an effective date. The page does not state an effective date. Check the current charge with the council. Source.