Complete architectural services for your building project

Homeowners in London have a variety of development rights for their properties. We can help you to transform your home.

Rear Extensions

Two Possibilities: 
6 meter large Rear Extension:  

• Prior Approval Application required. 

• Neighbour may object and it can have implications on decision.
   

3 meter Rear Extension:  
Permitted Development rights. Planning Approval not required. Simple application.
 

Majority of Victorian houses are cut off from the garden due to utility rooms being at the rear of the house. Rear extensions should be used to create harmony between the house and the rear garden.

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Side Return Extension

Side Extensions to the houses are an ideal strategy to increase the interior space. Internal layout remodelling should intelligently be done to enhance efficiency and cohesion. Side extension can be at the full length of the house but not exceeding one third of the total width of the existing dwelling.

Factors to consider:

• Extensions (including previous extensions, shed and outbuildings) and other buildings must not exceed 50% of the total area of land around the original house. 

• Extensions in front or beyond front elevations are not Permitted Development.

• On designated land (Including Conservation Areas), extensions are not permitted development.

• On designated land (Including Conservation Areas), double storey extensions are not Permitted Development.

• Single storey extensions maximum allowable height is four meters.

• If the extension is within two meters of the site boundary, eaves height should not exceed 3 meters.

• Maximum eaves and ridge height should not be higher than the existing house.

• Extension of more than one storey must not extend beyond the rear wall of the house by more than 3 meters or be within seven meters of opposite boundary.

• Roof pitch of two storey extensions should match the existing house roof pitch, to be a Permitted Development.

• Upper floor windows to be obscure-glazed and fixed glass, unless opened at 1.7 meters or above.

• No balconies or verandas are allowed in Permitted Development.

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Loft Conversions

We’ll create some initial concept sketches and your preferred idea will be developed into a complete concept design presentation.

Loft conversions are an excellent and cost effective option to maximize space at upper levels of the house.

There are four main types of Loft Conversions:
 

Dormer Window Extension: 
The simplest way to get more internal space at the roof level is to add a dormer window, which will add internal space and bring natural light at this level, creating a habitable space which can be used as a Bedroom, Study, Gym. Etc.
 

Full of Partial Loft at the Rear: 
This type of addition at roof level provides considerably more additional space within. This kind of Loft Conversion provides much more flexible options for the utility of this additional space.
 

Side Hip-to Gable Extension:
This type of extension is ideal for detached and semi detached houses. This option provides significant opportunities for expansion.
 

Mansard Roof Extension: 
This extension is ideal for houses with “V” Roofs. This type of extension is ideal for Conservation areas.

Factors to consider:

• 40 cubic metres for terraced houses.

• 50 cubic metres for detached and semi-detached houses.

• An extension beyond the plane of the existing roof slope of the principal elevation that fronts a highway is NOT a Permitted Development.

• Materials are to be similar in appearance to the existing house.

• No part of the extension is to be higher than the highest part of the existing roof.

• Verandas, balconies or raised platforms are NOT a Permitted Development.

• Any windows must be obscure-glazed and non-opening unless the parts which can be opened are more than 1.7 metres above the floor of the room in which it is installed.

• Roof extensions, apart from hip to gable ones are to be set back at least 20cms from the eaves. The 20cm distance is measured along the roof plane.

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Outbuildings

Outbuildings include sheds, play houses, green houses and garages and other ancillary buildings such as swimming pools, ponds, sauna cabins, etc. On designated land outbuildings to the side of the house are not a Permitted Development. Outbuildings are not permitted within the grounds of a listed building.

In national parks, the Broads, Areas of Outstanding natural Beauty and World Heritage Sites the total area to be covered by any outbuilding more than 20 meters from ANY WALL of the house must not exceed 10 square meters to be a Permitted Development.
 

Outbuildings are not permitted forward of the principle elevation of the original house. Outbuildings and other buildings must not exceed 50% of the total area of land around the original house. Sheds and all other outbuildings and extensions to the original house must be included when calculating this 50% limit.

The outhouse must not be used for living accommodation and must have no microwave antenna. Outbuildings must be single storey with a maximum eaves height of 2.5 meters and a maximum overall height of 4m with a dual pitched roof, or 3 meters in any other case. If the outbuilding is within 2meters of the property boundary the whole building should not exceed 2.5 meters in height. Balconies are not a Permitted Development. Raised platforms such as decking are a Permitted Development provided they are no higher than 300mm. Containers such as those used for domestic heating purposes, must not exceed 3,500 litres capacity to be a Permitted Development. The other Permitted Development conditions which apply to outbuildings listed above also apply to containers.