Method's Quick Guide to First Floor Extensions

Have you ever wondered what you can do with a first floor extension on your home? Method Studio are incredibly experienced and can help you select the best route for planning if you'd like a first floor extension. Adding a bedroom, bathroom, play room or living space are often ways to increase the value of your home or provide that essential space for your family's expanding needs. Generally it’s fairly straightforward to get approval under Permitted Development but occasionally there can be some trickier issues. See below for a guide of what you can achieve under your Local Authorities Permitted Development rules.

What can I do for my first floor extension under a Permitted Development application?

  • First Floor Extensions on designated land (e.g. national park, area of outstanding beauty, conservation area, world heritage area) are not allowed under Permitted Development

  • An extension must not exceed 50% of the total area around the original house. Sheds and outbuildings have to be included when calculating this limit

  • Materials on your extension must be the same or similar as your existing house

  • Side facing windows must be obscured - so your neighbours can’t look in. Any opening parts need to be 1.7m above the floor level of the room inside

  • Unfortunately balconies are not allowed under Permitted Development, but you can have a Juliet balcony!

  • The maximum eaves and ridge height of an extension cannot be higher than the existing house. And if an extension is within 2 metres of a boundary, the maximum eaves height cannot be higher than 3 metres

  • First floor extensions cannot extend beyond the rear wall of the original house by more than 3 metres or be within 7 metres of any boundary that is opposite the rear wall of the house

  • The roof of your first floor extension cannot be higher than the highest part of your existing roof

What are some examples of first floor extensions?

The above list might seem overwhelming but don't give up. Method Studio have plenty of experience designing and producing countless first floor extensions. Please check out the links below for examples of our beautiful designs. Each project explains challenges that needed to be overcome to ensure we achieved our client’s goals.

Danbury Common

Hornchurch

Broomfield

If you’re thinking about starting a project and would like further advice or information on what planning submission you should choose, please get in touch with us today. Our team have extensive experience dealing with all different types of planning queries and will try to help with any questions you might have!