Damp and Timber Specialists for 50 years

Cellars are a rare sight in the UK, but a few lucky homeowners have the luxury of extra space beneath their feet. Unfortunately, these underground areas can easily become heaped with clutter or forgotten due to their dim lighting, tight quarters, and susceptibility to damp.

If you’re struggling to make the most out of your cellar, you might have thought about converting it into a new room at some point. You’d be able to use it as a bedroom, home office, playroom, or even a gym, all while boosting your property’s value. There’s just one thing stopping you: the thought of the long, time-consuming planning permission process. But is this something you really need to worry about?

The cellar and basement experts at Prokil are here to clear things up. Keep reading to find out whether you’ll need planning permission for a cellar conversion and if there are any exceptions to the rule.

Do you need planning permission for a cellar conversion?

Generally, you won’t need planning permission to convert an existing cellar into living space. This is because, according to the Town and Country Planning Act 1990, a conversion is considered a “change of use” within an existing structure. This means you’re not altering the building’s exterior or significantly increasing its size.

Are there any exceptions?

While most cellar conversions don’t need planning permission, there are a few exceptions. You might need to apply if:

  • You’re planning to alter the exterior appearance of your home while converting your cellar, such as adding a light well or extending the footprint of the building.
  • You’re converting the basement into a self-contained unit, such as a flat or studio apartment.
  • You’re planning to make major changes to the structure or size of your house, such as removing load-bearing walls or excavating to create a new basement level.
  • The building is Grade II listed.

Even if you don’t think any of these exceptions apply to you, it’s always best to consult with your local planning authority or a building professional before starting any work. They can provide specific guidance based on your property’s location and the nature of your conversion.

Unlock the full potential of your home with a cellar conversion from Prokil

Want more out of your cellar than a dusty storage space? Look no further than Prokil, the South’s first choice for expert basement and cellar conversions!

Our specialists can transform your underused space into a fully functional living area, working closely with you to match your exact vision. We’ll take care of every step in the process, from preparing the space to painting the walls, installing fitted units like kitchens and bathrooms, and adding the final touches. We’re also happy to provide guidance on planning permission and expert design recommendations as needed.

Dealing with damp or mould in your basement? No problem. We can repair the damage, restore your basement to a clean and healthy state, and provide full waterproofing or tanking services to protect it for the future. All our work comes with a 20-year guarantee for complete peace of mind.

Let us make your dream cellar a reality. Book a survey online or call us on 0800 048 9488 today!

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What to expect from your survey

1

Book a survey

Book a survey from any of our locations, at a time that suits you.

2

Our experts give a quote

One of our damp & timber experts will arrive to survey the work.

3

We complete the work

Based on a quote, we carry out the work guaranteed for 20 years.

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