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

---

Home Remodeling Business

Need for home remodelingThe need for home remodeling is on... Read More

Hot Tub Heaven

What will your next home improvement project be? Will it... Read More

Protecting Yourself from Miter Saw Hazards

A miter saw, also known as a "chop saw," is... Read More

Have You Considered Fluorescent Lighting for Your Home?

Many of us know that fluorescent lighting is common in... Read More

The Ultimate Comfort - Top 5 Reasons For Getting an Awning

Awnings are an economical and efficient way to shade a... Read More

Aluminium Conservatories

The conservatory is a popular addition to homes around the... Read More

Are Showers Harmful to Your Health?

The last thing you would think about when you are... Read More

Concrete Cutting: The Unknown Niche

What is Concrete Cutting?Concrete cutting is a process of controlled... Read More

Removing Your Old Wood Double Hung Windows

Last week I told you how to measure your wood... Read More

Help With Buying A New Ceiling Fan

When you are choosing a new ceiling fan there are... Read More

Strapping a Ceiling

Prior to hanging sheetrock to ceiling joists it is important... Read More

Do You Know How Important Your Air Conditioner Filter Is?

When most people think about an air conditioner filter, it... Read More

Homeowners ? Here is a Step by Step Guide to Help You Hire a Quality Home Improvement Contractor

Before talking to any contractors the first thing to do... Read More

Dehumidifiers Wring Out Your Home

Anyone that has a home office or bedroom in the... Read More

Laminate Flooring Basics

Laminate flooring resembles the look of hardwoods but offers easier... Read More

Log Home Mistakes Ebook Review

Ok, you are ready to build a log home. If... Read More

Helpful Kitchen Remodeling Ideas

Functionality and aesthetics are the two main objectives of any... Read More

Tips For Buying a Whirlpool Bath Online

So you're building the bath of your dreams but find... Read More

How To Choose The Right Home Water Filters and Water Purifiers For Your Needs

When it comes to home water filters and water purifiers,... Read More

An Introduction to Air Compressors

Air compressors are widely used among American manufacturers, industries and... Read More

Persian Carpets - Popular Styles

There are numerous styles of Persian carpets. In fact there... Read More

Why Are There So Many Different Light Bulbs?

There are many different types of light bulbs. Each has... Read More

Prepare for Winter Before It Arrives

Even though we are still enjoying warm weather and winter... Read More

Materials For Building Window Shutters

Shopping for window shutters can become confusing because of the... Read More

The Advantages of Pre-Engineered Steel Buildings

Steel is a remarkable material that has been steadily increasing... Read More

What is Design Psychology and How Will it Help Me?

In this article, we'll be taking a look at the... Read More

Buyers Guide For Modern Mailboxes

Modern mailboxes are made predominately from cast aluminum or stainless... Read More

Vinyl Replacement Window Terminology

With so many homeowners in the market for more energy... Read More

Planning Permission Tips UK - Conservatories - Dispelling a Myth

It's now well into the new year and the residential... Read More

What to Know Before Signing a Home Improvement Contract

It is important to be a very careful consumer when... Read More

Microwave Convection Ovens - Double Benefits

Microwave convection ovens have both microwave and convection facilities. Microwave... Read More

Repairing Your Faulty uPVC Double Glazed Windows And Doors

It is an amazing fact that uPVC double glazing was... Read More

Choosing Color Schemes: Colors and Physiological Response

Because colors have tremendous emotional impact, understanding how color affects... Read More