House Extension Architect
Extending your home can transform how you live — but the success of a house extension often depends on planning strategy as much as design.
SVA Architects provide planning-led architectural design for house extensions, helping homeowners secure permission for single-storey and two-storey extensions, including on constrained sites and within the Green Belt.
When a House Extension Needs Careful Planning
You should seek professional advice if:
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Your extension exceeds permitted development limits
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Your property is in the Green Belt, AONB or a Conservation Area
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Neighbour amenity is a concern
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A previous application has been refused
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You want confidence before committing to detailed design
Early advice can avoid refusal, redesign and unnecessary delay.
Our Planning-Led Approach to Extensions
Many extensions fail at planning stage because they are over-scaled, poorly sited or insufficiently justified.
Our approach includes:
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Assessment of local and national planning policy
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Review of site context, boundaries and neighbours
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Daylight and overshadowing considerations
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Evaluation of scale, massing and proportionality
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Early identification of planning risk
Design development only proceeds once the planning strategy is clear.
Types of House Extension We Design
We regularly design and obtain permission for:
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Single-storey rear extensions
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Two-storey rear and side extensions
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Side return extensions
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Wrap-around extensions
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Extensions to dwellings in sensitive locations
Each proposal is tailored to the site and planning context rather than a standard formula.
Experience with Sensitive and Constrained Sites
We frequently act on extension projects involving:
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Green Belt designation
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Tight urban plots
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Close neighbouring properties
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Significant changes to existing dwellings
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Officer concern over scale or impact
Where appropriate, we also advise on fallback positions, design revisions and appeal options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need planning permission for a house extension?
Some extensions fall within permitted development, but many require planning permission — particularly where size limits are exceeded or constraints apply.
Can you extend a house in the Green Belt?
Yes, subject to policy. Extensions may be acceptable where they are not disproportionate and where openness is preserved.
What if my neighbour objects?
Neighbour objections are considered but are not determinative. Well-designed proposals supported by planning policy can still be approved.
Speak to a House Extension Architect
If you are considering extending your home and want clear advice on feasibility, planning strategy and next steps, we would be pleased to help.
Modernism Can Work
Sometimes a modernist statement can work with a period building. The key is excellent detailing and highest quality materials.
Adding Space
It is not enough simply to add space. The context and historical value must be considered. As far as possible an addition that complements and enhances the building will add the most spatial and financial value.
Sensitive Addition to a Regency Home
The owners of Ditton House requested additional space over the pool room. Clearly it was vital to retain the period character.
Mouldings were taken of the existing stone work and reproduced in cast stone
The result is a sensitive addition to this fine regency home.
