Hobby room in attic

[dunwerkin]

As a complete non D.I.Y.er can anyone give me an idiots guide to start the process of setting up a room in the attic? I already have a Ramsey ladder access but its so narrow that I either scrape my back on the frame or get wedged in with the box I am trying to stow. The attic is partly floored and completely insulated. The house is an old granite conversion - so old outside but only 10 years old inside. Do I need planning permission or an architect?

[buildersmate]

Don't need Planning unless you are putting windows in it (even than things like Velux still don't need Planning but best check). Do need to ensure you aren't overloading the joists - was that done before when boarded? If you are converting to habitable space, you are really talking about a loft conversion so you may as well speak to one of them as a specialist. If not converting to a habitable space, you will have to leave the removable ladder in place - but you could improve the access. Habitable space requires Building Regulations approval (for things like insulation, loading of joists, escape during fire). Might be difficult, hence expensive. HTH.

[dunwerkin]

Thank you Buildersmate for your very comprehensive reply. Twas as I feared, a much bigger job than simply moving around some of the boxes! Am grateful to you - back to the drawing board.