Do You Need Planning Permission for a Porch? (UK Rules)
When a porch needs planning permission in the UK: the 3m² floor area limit, 3m height, 2m from the road, listed buildings, and when a porch is exempt from building regulations.
3 min read5.0 from 75 Google reviews
Home Extension Architectural Designers
You've outgrown your home but you love where you live. We design the extension that fits your life — and we tell you the truth about cost before you spend a penny.
We know what's keeping you up at night
- “It's just not working for us anymore.” You need more room, but moving feels like a step backwards.
- “I don't want any nasty surprises.” You've heard the horror stories about budgets doubling.
- “Is it even worth it?” You want a straight answer before you commit, not a sales pitch.
Fixed-fee scope
What's included — agreed before we start
No hourly billing creep. You know exactly what you're getting and what it costs.
- ✓A fixed design fee agreed up front — you know the cost before we start.
- ✓A live design session where we draw your extension with you, on screen, in the room.
- ✓Full planning drawings and the planning application handled for you.
- ✓Building regulations drawings ready for your builder.
- ✓Honest advice on what adds value and what doesn't — even when it's not what you hoped.
How it works
Our simple, honest process
- 1
Honest Conversation
We start by challenging your brief. If extending is the wrong call, we'll say so.
- 2
Live Design Session
We design your extension with you on screen, so you see it take shape and steer it.
- 3
Planning Handled
We prepare the drawings, submit the application, and deal with the council for you.
- 4
You Open the Door
Your only job is to open the door for the builder, come to the meetings, and pay the invoices.
Straight talk on cost
Honest cost ranges
Real numbers, not guesswork. Build costs vary by home — our design fee is always fixed and agreed first.
Single-storey rear extension
£40,000 – £70,000 build cost
Typical 20–30m² kitchen-diner. Design fee is fixed and agreed first.
Double-storey extension
£70,000 – £120,000 build cost
Adds a bedroom and living space. Often the best value per m².
Wrap-around extension
£90,000 – £160,000 build cost
The biggest change to how your home works day to day.
Learn first
Guides about home extensions
Plain-English answers to the questions people ask us before they book a call.
Do You Need Planning Permission for a Conservatory? (UK Rules)
When a conservatory needs planning permission in the UK: the 3m and 4m depth limits, height rules, the larger home extension scheme, and when it's exempt from building regulations.
3 min readIs a Steel Framed Extension Cheaper Than Brick?
Steel frame vs brick-built extensions in the UK: which is cheaper, where steel genuinely earns its cost, and why the frame is a smaller part of your budget than you'd think.
3 min readHow Do You Plan a Home Gym Extension?
Planning a home gym extension in the UK: realistic costs, layout, flooring, storage, ventilation, and when you need planning permission or can use permitted development.
4 min readWhat Can a £70k Home Extension Get You?
What can a £70k home extension really get you? An honest breakdown of where the money goes, smart ways to make it stretch, and how to know if it's worth it.
2 min readHow Do You Design a Stylish Home Extension?
How do you design a stylish home extension? Keep the shape simple, maximise natural light, and pick finishes that punch above their price. A UK guide under £100k.
6 min readRecent project
“We chose them because they didn't just agree with us.”
A real home extensions project, designed around how the family actually lives. Full case study coming soon.
Read more reviews →Questions homeowners ask us
Do I need planning permission for an extension?
Sometimes, not always. Many extensions fall under permitted development. We check this for you on the first call and tell you straight which route yours needs.
How much does an extension really cost?
Build costs usually run £2,000–£3,000 per m². Our design fee is fixed and agreed before any work starts, so there are no surprises from us.
What if you tell me it's not worth doing?
Then we've saved you a lot of money and stress. We'd rather lose the job than design you something you'll regret.
How long does the whole process take?
Design and planning typically take three to four months. The build depends on size, but most family extensions are finished within six months on site.
Will my extension add value to my home?
A well-designed extension usually adds more than it costs, especially kitchen-diners. We give you real numbers for your area, not promises.
Can I stay in the house during the build?
Most families do. We design the work in stages where we can, so you keep a working kitchen and bathroom for as long as possible.
Where we work
Home Extensions in North WalesHome Extensions in AngleseyHome Extensions in LutonHome Extensions in Milton KeynesHome Extensions in WrexhamHome Extensions in BangorHome Extensions in ConwyHome Extensions in ChesterHome Extensions in CheshireHome Extensions in ManchesterHome Extensions in BoltonHome Extensions in WiganHome Extensions in TamesideHome Extensions in TraffordHome Extensions in StockportHome Extensions in OldhamHome Extensions in LiverpoolHome Extensions in Bedford
Not sure whether to build, wait or move?
That's exactly what the call is for. We'll be straight with you — no pressure, no jargon, no nasty surprises.