Loft conversions in Bournville
In Bournville, planning permission is only half of the approval. Homes inside the Bournville Estate Scheme of Management also need the Bournville Village Trust's approval for alterations, and the Trust publishes design guides for each part of the estate. Much of the village is also a conservation area with an Article 4 direction.
- Planning authority
- Birmingham City Council
- Estate approval
- Bournville Village Trust, for homes in its Scheme of Management
- Conservation areas
- Bournville Village (Article 4(2)); Bournville Tenants
- Trust processing time
- Minor alterations within 5 weeks, major within 10 (BVT, checked October 2026)
- Postcodes
- B30 and parts of B29 and B31
Bournville Village Trust approval
The Bournville Estate Scheme of Management was introduced under section 19 of the Leasehold Reform Act 1967 and applies to every home inside its boundary; the Trust publishes a map so you can check yours. Owners apply to the Trust to make an alteration, and the Trust asks applicants to read the design guide for their area first. At the time of writing, the Trust says minor alterations are processed within five weeks and major ones within ten because of high demand.
A loft conversion with a dormer is likely to count as a major alteration, so it is worth building the Trust's timetable into the plan alongside planning permission. The Trust says some newer developments, including Bournville Park, Manor Park and Meadow Rise, are outside its Scheme of Management, so check whether your road is covered before you assume its consent is needed.
Planning and design in the village
The Bournville Village conservation area has an Article 4 direction, and Bournville Tenants is a separate conservation area. Inside either, roof extensions need planning permission. The council has published a design guide for the Bournville Village conservation area that covers alterations and extensions.
The houses themselves, with steep tiled roofs, gables and tall chimneys, often have good height for rooflights at the rear. Where a dormer is agreed, it is usually small, set low on the rear slope and finished in tiles to match.
Questions from Bournville
Do I need Bournville Village Trust permission for a loft conversion?
If your home is inside the Bournville Estate Scheme of Management, yes: you apply to the Trust for approval of the alteration, as well as dealing with planning permission. The Trust's map shows whether your home is covered.
How long does Bournville Village Trust approval take?
At the time of writing the Trust says it processes minor alterations within five weeks and major alterations within ten, because of high demand. A loft conversion with a dormer is likely to be a major alteration.
Is all of Bournville in a conservation area?
No. Bournville Village (with an Article 4 direction) and Bournville Tenants are conservation areas, but the Trust's estate and the wider district extend beyond them. The council's maps show the boundaries.
Ask about a loft conversion in Bournville
Give us the postcode and we will check the planning position for your street before we visit.