Home Improvement Information

Planning Permission Tips UK - Two Story Side Extensions - The Common Mistakes


Probably the most common type of residential extension is the two storey side extension. However, it is one of the most easiest schemes to get wrong with regard to Planning Permission. Side extensions have an awful lot of issues that need careful consideration before submitting a scheme to the Planning Department for Planning Permission.

Firstly is the impact of your scheme upon the neighbours. Most councils design guides will not let you build right up to the boundary at the first floor level. This is to prevent 'terracing' of the street scene. This usually means 'insetting' the extension by at least 1M. The ground floor element can normally go closer. Secondly, is respecting the shape of the existing dwelling. This often means setting back the extension to obtain broken wall & roof lines together with a lower ridge line. Simply adding on a 'block' of same depth extension with flush front elevation wall & roof lines will normally be resisted.

This is to prevent large bland wall & roof areas. Having broken wall lines retains the original house shape, adds interest & is subordinate to the main dwelling. The most common reply to this design concept from home owners is 'but it will look like an extension!' Yes if it is done badly but no if the design accommodates good design detailing, respectful scale & well designed roof slopes. It really does not take much effort to achieve the right balanced look - just the right eye & lots of design experience in such matters.

Thirdly are side windows of adjoining properties. These need to be carefully assessed for right of light issues. Some side windows are not relevant - others are - you need to decide which ones are which.

Fourth is the off road car parking requirements. Additional bedrooms often means additional or compliant off road car parking provision. If your property is already deficient in this area & known to be within an on road parking problem area with perhaps access problems onto a busy classified road then you may have to consider what you will be formally presenting to the Planners in terms of potential new bedroom spaces.

Lastly is the overall width of property scenario. All properties have a dimensional ratio (width versus depth). Many properties are already long & thin with a wide street scene or presence. A two storey side extension will often just add to this visual impact which is again often resisted by the Planners. Clever design tweaks such as recessing the extension further back from the front elevation & wrapping it around the rear elevation can often create the additional space required but without making the property look ungainly wide.

The same result can be achieved by bringing the extension further forward & wrapping it around part of the front elevation. Many people seem to think front extensions are impossible because of infringing 'building lines' but the fact is front extensions are becoming far more popular & acceptable due to the improvement of the street scene. Many front extensions can turn a really bland looking property into a very interesting building with interesting roof & wall lines. Property developers do this all the time but that can fill another topic on its own.

Our 'Maximum Build Planning Guide' explains further the issues involved when extending or developing a residential property.

http://www.planning-approval.co.uk


MORE RESOURCES:

Perth Zoo's elephants enjoy $5m home improvement
NEWS.com.au, Australia - 13 hours ago
PERTH Zoo's three elephants are now enjoying a $5m expansion to their South Perth residence. The newly completed $5million elephant exhibit redevelopment at ...


MARC offers home improvement loans
Leavenworth Times, KS - 1 hour ago
By Tim Linn The Leavenworth County Commission debated a proposal from the Mid-America Regional Council on Thursday that would provide homeowners in the ...


Newsday

9 home improvement projects for '09
Newsday, NY - 21 hours ago
Home improvement experts attribute it to the fact that these projects tend to be relatively small (on Long Island, $300 to $900 for a replacement window, ...


Home improvement Q&A: Proper care and bleeding of a radiator heat ...
News & Observer, NC - Jan 8, 2009
By ALAN J. HEAVENS - The Philadelphia Inquirer Question: Do know anything about radiators and boilers for the home? I'm not sure about proper bleeding and ...


9 home-improvement projects for 2009
Seattle Times, United States - Jan 3, 2009
A look at what home projects will allow folks to live better now and make the house more saleable later. By Karen Klages A bathroom remodel may make your ...


Saving energy & $$
Ukiah Daily Journal, CA - 7 hours ago
However, if you are concerned about your wallet, how do you save money on your energy bills without emptying your savings on home improvement projects? ...


Do thorough research before signing a home improvement contract
Detroit Free Press, United States - Jan 4, 2009
... the economy on shaky ground, it's more important than ever for homeowners to carefully screen the contractors they hire for home improvement projects. ...


BobVila.com

New Year's Home Improvement Resolutions
BobVila.com, MA - Jan 5, 2009
I dug headfirst into the home improvement projects I had left over from last year. Late fall was consumed with the downstairs bathroom renovation in which ...
How to save money on your home improvement project YourHub.com
all 2 news articles


Home design depression
Boston Globe, United States - Jan 7, 2009
The sad truth is, if I had an IV drip of Diet Pepsi I could spend all weekend watching HGTV, or any of the home improvement shows on the DIY Network, ...


Plan ahead to save money on energy, home improvement
Staunton News Leader, VA - Jan 3, 2009
And, thanks to a number of plastic storm window kits available at area hardware and home improvement stores, putting plastic over your windows is easier ...

Home-Improvement - Google News

home | site map
© 2006