Loft conversions - time scales and stuff?

[G]

In the latest part of our house-buying saga, we've got an offer accepted on a place that I think would be considerably more 'liveable' with a loft conversion.

So, has anyone had this done? How long did it take for each bit (plans, planning permission, 'build time', etc?)
What sort of disruption was caused?

By the way, I've done a fair bit of research since I last asked about loft conversions. So I'm fairly sure the property could be suitable for a rear full width a dorma (similarish properties further up the street have this, bing maps shows me, for a start.) We would need planning permission I expect, as the house has already been extended previously.

[Mrs Kickstart]

Hi

You will need planning permission for a dorma. The planning applications should be dealt with in 8 weeks. Im my experience you will probably spend a couple of months in preparation before submitting the plans.

When the plans of passed you will need building control but I think the lead time for this tends to only be a few days.

If others on the street have done the same work you have a good change of it being approved. If you are not sure you can ask the planning officers for an informal opinion based on sketches before you start paying an architect.

Regards
C
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[G]

Cheers for the thoughts.

If it hadn't been extended, I believe thanks to the rule changes late last year, it wouldn't need planning permission for a rear-facing Dorma, but as it already has (I'm presuming the extension they had 'used up' the allowance) it definitely will.

Also meant to ask; anyone know how much disruption it's likely to cause?
The ideal for us would be if we could 'fast track' it and get the work started pretty soon after being handed the keys for the house (very unlikely, I appreciate) - as we're getting some other work done, it'd mean minimum disruption.

[el_oso]

need some plans for what you want to do

6 weeks min planning permissions depending on your council

probably looking at a solid 4-6weeks building time with a professional comany dpending on what you want done

building inspector then needs to pay a visit to check everything is up to scratch.

going to take a solid few months with a fair amount of disruption for at least a few days. I beams need to be put in the loft which means a crane will need to be used. lots of hammering noise etc but the actual work can be done without workers getting in the way most of the time
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