Extension

Mahmud

I wanted to do an extension on my semi detached property. A wrap around my next door is detached. My driveway is 2.5M and I wanted to go up the boundary is this possible ? Also my neighbour has a side window which I will be blocking if I did the double storey extension . Do you think I will get permission? 

Irishpearce26

Im not overly experienced in planning permission as there are many variables. In terms of the window I would assume that its the window on the staircase that you may block some light to? I think it would be polite to discuss with your neighbour, explain your reasons etc as they will have the opportunity to say they do/don't want the extension to go ahead.

Mahmud

It’s window to dinning room but they have one at the front too.  I will talk to them I just wanted a vague idea of what the law says. Also regarding the Boundry not sure if planning would allow

Mahmud

Irishpearce26 said:

Im not overly experienced in planning permission as there are many variables. In terms of the window I would assume that its the window on the staircase that you may block some light to? I think it would be polite to discuss with your neighbour, explain your reasons etc as they will have the opportunity to say they do/don't want the extension to go ahead.

Thank you for your prompt reply

Soot2006

Have a walk round your neighbourhood to see how many houses have that sort of extension and how they did it. It helps to give a little insight into how the planners feel about things.  A pre-planning chat with a local officer will then help you get things right for the application itself.

edgex

That's a massive extension your thinking of, on quite a small plot. I wouldn't be surprised if the Planning Dept reject it on that.
https://www.planningportal.co.uk/info/200130/common_projects/17/extensions

Looks like it could get quite expensive as well, there's 2 utility meters to move (& a drain?).
No access to rear garden.
Turning bedroom 2 into a bathroom, where's the waste going to go?

Your also potentially turning it into a house that would be difficult to sell.

Mahmud

Didn’t think of the utility meters - is it very expensive to move?
why do you say it’ll be hard to sell? 

I have an architect coming tomorrow this is just my drawing and how I would like it ideally. 

Any suggestions?

princeofpounds

The lack of direct garden access would be a problem for many people. No-one wants to drag lawnmowers or bags of leaves through their house.

It's impossible to comment on planning specifics as each council and area is differrent. But I can imagine there being issues around garden access, right-of-light to the neighbour's window, proximity to the boundary and possible overall 'massing' (sheer volume on the plot).

But you may be able to do something, so have a chat with an architect and/or planning consultant and/or the local planners.

edgex

Quick look, you'd want to budget £1k per meter, & that doesn't cover the pipes/electrics past the meters, so then you also need electrician & plumber to do that.

It could be hard to sell because you've got a 4bed house but on a plot for a 2/3bed, & on a street/estate where your above the ceiling price.
Your also going for a weird/awkward layout downstairs, where everything has to go through two living rooms (anything to/from kitchen, laundry etc)


Have a look on Rightmove at the nearest 4bed houses & look at the plot sizes & layouts.
May even find it's better/easier to move house than do such a big extension.


(To fix the layout, i'd put the kitchen at the front & create a hallway, the rear extension then becomes the living room opening out into the garden. Second living room becomes dining area.
Have you thought about a home office?  There could be a lot more working from home in the future, or could be somewhere for kids to do homework. )

AlexMac

I assume you have now looked at the planning portal  (as suggested in post#6 by edgex above...) 
It  is helpful, but some local Councils also issue specific local guidance about what they will or won't allow.  So Google something like "planning guidance for residential extensions... and your Council's name to see if yours does.  For example my Council in London has issued this very detailed "Supplementary Planning Document", at- 
https://consultations.royalgreenwich.gov.uk/UploadedFiles/Residential Extensions Conversions and Basements SPD.pdf
which of Course won't help you unless you live rahnd 'ere  in Sarf London.

But as your architect will say, once you get planning permission (which I think you will need), none of the other problems are insurmountable; it's easy to relocate meters, bathrooms, or even sewers, drains and inspection hatches, subject to the necessary Building Regulations and if you can chuck money at it.

And as others say, while I assume you need the extra space for family, think twice about making your house the biggest/most expensive one in the street in terms of future re-sale.  Some streets have a "ceiling price"; ask local Estate Agents if that is even an issue for you. And also make sure you informally consult neighbours at an early stage.  It won't stop them objecting, but just because they object the Council will still consider your application objectively .  Good luck

lincroft1710

If you only have a 2.5 m width driveway, then your 4 th bed will be quite narrow only 2.2 m wide max. An extension of that size will be quite expensive and very disruptive.