Side extension

[mistikempire]

Hi all
We have a semi detached house and I am considering the possibilities of a 2 story side extension.

I would like to keep the garage on the ground floor, making it wider.
The only question i have is, would i be able to create an extension like the 2nd picture, where it comes upto the boundary as much as possible?

Some have said to come up to the side gate, and leave a gap to avoid that terracing affect.

But the considering the style of my neighbours house (3rd pic) i dont think it will create a terraced style view
Please excuse the poor drawing, it was done on Microsoft Paint.

Thoughts?

 

[noseall]

View attachment 362777View attachment 362778View attachment 362779
Hi all
We have a semi detached house and I am considering the possibilities of a 2 story side extension.

I would like to keep the garage on the ground floor, making it wider.
The only question i have is, would i be able to create an extension like the 2nd picture, where it comes upto the boundary as much as possible?

Some have said to come up to the side gate, and leave a gap to avoid that terracing affect.

But the considering the style of my neighbours house (3rd pic) i dont think it will create a terraced style view
Please excuse the poor drawing, it was done on Microsoft Paint.

Thoughts?

DON'T lose that alleyway. You will regret it.

 

[robinbanks]

Better to ask your planning department than us

 

[Murdochcat]

Bear in mind if you want the widest extension you’ll probably need the cooperation of your neighbours to build it and they don’t have to give you access

 

[mistikempire]

DON'T lose that alleyway. You will regret it.

Even now, we often find ourselves going through the garage door instead of the side gate.
I wouldn't mind keeping the side gate, the only thing which is annoying is that, the garage isnt wide enough to fit a car in "comfortably".

 

[mistikempire]

I

Better to ask your planning department than us

I just joined this site, thinking it was a place to share ideas, learn from.
Nothing is concrete at the moment, just thought i would get some opinions before taking this further.

Bear in mind if you want the widest extension you’ll probably need the cooperation of your neighbours to build it and they don’t have to give you access

That is true, hopefully i am not in their bad books

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

Forget asking your planning department for advice (apart from asking where to find the right document), they won't give any advice out except to read the local plan, you should be able to find your Local Plan Guidance on your local authority's website, that's the document that will dictate the design constraints the planners will use to determine your planning application, for example they may say you must not build up to the boundary or that the front portion must be set back by say 1m, every council has a different local plan, no two councils have the same requirements, so that's where you should start.

Sometimes it can be difficult to find on local authority websites but start by looking at you LA's planning website and see if you can find it or google 'XXXXXX (local authority) Local Plan' or similar it should be a big PDF or maybe give them a ring to ask them to point you in the right direction, if no luck then let us know your local authority. Then search for the word 'extension' and you should find the right section. For example this is the Local Plan for where I live: https://www.teignbridge.gov.uk/media/1669/local-plan-2013-33.pdf page 56 deals with extensions to dwellings, our one is very vague but yours will be different so you need to find it. Then you will see what, if any restrictions they apply when deciding it. Then go from there.

 

[thomp1983]

Can't see any obvious reason why that shouldn't get planning.

Yes you can build on the boundary line but that probably would stop your neighbours doing similar in the future due to the terracing effect.

Id probably build it inline with the single row of light coloured block pavers, I'd guess that will give you a 300mm gap to the boundary and still give you alot more room inside the garage.

First thing I'd do before anything is speak to your neighbours and show them the pictures you've done above and discuss it, nothing will **** them off more than the first they learn of it being the planning letter coming through their door, and there's no need for it and undoubtably at some point through the build you'll need some goodwill or grace from them.

Looking again I'd probably redesign that porch bit too so it's roof extends out over the garage as it'll look more tied in.

 

[noseall]

Even now, we often find ourselves going through the garage door instead of the side gate.
I wouldn't mind keeping the side gate, the only thing which is annoying is that, the garage isnt wide enough to fit a car in "comfortably".

We kept ours
Best decision I made. I've re-landscaped twice since building my extension.

 

[aveatry]

If you build right up to your boundary then your soffit and guttering wound overhang your neighbours land which so you will have to have a boundary wall gutter which I dont think is a good long term idea.
Could you make it as wide as you can but still maintain a side access, the one you have looks quite wide, can you get away with smaller.
Or build to the boundary but still have a side access like and entry so the bedroom above is to the boundary.
When I had some building done I went to a local plan drawing service who has done a lot in my area and they have a very good insite as what the council will allow. We had to step back a stupid 1/2 brick !
And I agree - extend the canopy all the way across.

 

[wessex101]

Just to add my tuppence worth.
As Freddie suggested in #7 the first port of call should be the local council's planning policy documents. In addition to the local plan many councils have Supplementary Guidance and Design Guides which go in to more detail and often have specific guidance on side extensions. This will include things like whether they want the front elevation stepped back and how close to the side boundary you can build. Although it is worth remembering that this is just guidance so the best test is what other people have built recently in the neigbourhood. Sometimes you can see numerous examples that breach the local planning policy which may give you the evidence to support your planning application.

Possibly something to consider first is to talk to 1 or 2 local architectural designers. They should have a pretty good grasp of the local planning policies and should be able to give you some idea of what is possible whilst providing a fee quote for the design work. Most do a free initial consultation.

On the matter of retaining a side access. I'd say it is down to personal preference and the size of the rear garden. Providing access through the garage is usually adequate for most domestic requirements. I could easily get wheelbarrows, lawnmowers, ladders etc. through my garage and out the back door in to the garden, I could even drive a micro digger through when required (obviously not with the Ferrari in the garage)

 

[noseall]

Providing access through the garage is usually adequate for most domestic requirements. I could easily get wheelbarrows, lawnmowers, ladders etc. through my garage and out the back door in to the garden, I could even drive a micro digger through when required (obviously not with the Ferrari in the garage)

I doubt very much that it will just be through the garage.

 

[mistikempire]

Forget asking your planning department for advice (apart from asking where to find the right document), they won't give any advice out except to read the local plan, you should be able to find your Local Plan Guidance on your local authority's website, that's the document that will dictate the design constraints the planners will use to determine your planning application, for example they may say you must not build up to the boundary or that the front portion must be set back by say 1m, every council has a different local plan, no two councils have the same requirements, so that's where you should start.

Sometimes it can be difficult to find on local authority websites but start by looking at you LA's planning website and see if you can find it or google 'XXXXXX (local authority) Local Plan' or similar it should be a big PDF or maybe give them a ring to ask them to point you in the right direction, if no luck then let us know your local authority. Then search for the word 'extension' and you should find the right section. For example this is the Local Plan for where I live: https://www.teignbridge.gov.uk/media/1669/local-plan-2013-33.pdf page 56 deals with extensions to dwellings, our one is very vague but yours will be different so you need to find it. Then you will see what, if any restrictions they apply when deciding it. Then go from there.

Thank you so much, i had a look at my LA's site, i managed to find the local plan document. Sadly it didn mention anything in regards to distance from Boundaries.

I think i will most certainly speak with my neighbour, whom are actually tenants.
So good luck to me in finding the landlord.

 

[mistikempire]

The key for me is having a wide enough garage to comfortably fit a car inside.
As it stands, the garage for me is pretty useless in terms of storing a vehicle, nor do i use the side gate to go in and out.

The garage has a door to the garden, so i often find myself going through the garage in and out (front drive), when im working in the garage.

Nearly every house that i have had a look at on my road has kept the gate, when they have done a 2 story extension.
The only difference is that the houses after mine, are the ones with the slanted roof (sorry i cant think of the correct name for those type of houses) chalet type house? if i am not mistaken.

 

[mistikempire]

I think i have found it!

it states the following:

Side Space

When considering applications for new residential development, including extensions,the Council will normally require the following:
a - for a proposal of two or more storeys in height, a minimum 1 metre space from the side boundary of the site should be retained for the full height and length of the building; orb - where higher standards of separation already exist within residential areas,
proposals will be expected to provide a more generous side space.


Well that would really be a bummer, in me wanting a wider garage