Front, rear, side, and all other types of house extension plans around Oxford by our expert architectural designers
Our architects and architectural designers have extensive experience in house extensions, including single-storey rear extensions, double-storey side extensions and a wide range of bespoke additions.
We offer a free initial assessment and advice before visiting your home to conduct a full survey. From there, we explore design concepts and provide practical advice on planning permission, building regulations, buildability and realistic budget ranges. Our guidance is tailored to Oxford and Oxfordshire planning design guidance and policies.
If you already know what you want and have a trusted builder, that is absolutely fine. We can simply guide you through the planning process, building control and coordination with third parties such as structural engineers.
The House Extension Process in Oxford
Our five-step process ensures you do not waste time or money. There is no obligation to move from one stage to the next, and we recognise that you may need time to consider options presented at the feasibility and concept stage. You only pay when you are confident in progressing.
Our process combines in-person meetings and online design reviews, keeping you fully informed throughout. If you choose not to proceed at any stage, we will hand over all completed and paid work for your future use.
Once extension concepts are explored and agreed, we develop the finer details such as kitchen layouts, glazing strategies and material finishes. You will gain a clear understanding of how the space functions, including furniture placement and layout considerations. This stage confirms readiness for planning submission.
We provide advice on the likelihood of securing planning permission from Oxford City Council and the most appropriate application route.
We can produce building regulations drawings to assist your builder with accurate pricing and compliant construction. For more complex projects, we provide detailed builder drawings that clarify construction elements and finish requirements. If desired, we can also manage tendering, contracts and construction administration.
Planning & Building Regulations for House Extensions in Oxford
Building without planning permission can be unlawful, so it is essential to obtain approval from Oxford City Council or Oxfordshire County Council where required. While some smaller works fall under permitted development, many projects require full householder planning permission.
We advise on the most efficient and cost-effective approval route. Even where works fall under permitted development rights, we recommend written confirmation before commencing construction.
Building control approval involves both full plans checks and on-site inspections by local authority building control officers. We produce clear drawings and written specifications and coordinate third-party consultants such as structural engineers and energy assessors. This ensures full plans approval is achieved smoothly and provides a clear framework for construction.
We remain available throughout the process to support you and your builder and provide a comprehensive pre-start checklist to ensure all legal responsibilities are met.
Process of application
We have extensive experience managing planning applications in Oxford and Oxfordshire. While planning is governed nationally, local authorities apply their own design guidance and local plan policies.
We advise on design amendments that may improve approval prospects and can also support more ambitious or contemporary proposals where justified.
We assess potential constraints such as overdevelopment, impact on neighbouring light, effect on the street scene, ecological considerations and biodiversity net gain requirements. Where necessary, we coordinate specialist consultants.
Permitted Development Requirements
For a single-storey rear extension or single-storey side extension, it is considered permitted development, which means it does not require a planning permission application, as long as the following limits and conditions are met:
- They must not exceed 50 percent of the curtilage of the original dwelling.
- They must not extend beyond the principal elevation fronting a highway.
- The roof height must not exceed the existing house roof or 4 metres in height.
- Single-storey rear extensions can extend up to 3 metres for attached houses and 4 metres for detached houses.
- Eaves height must not exceed 3 metres if within 2 metres of a boundary.
- Materials should match the existing dwelling as closely as possible.
Properties in conservation areas, designated land, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, listed buildings or close to listed buildings may not benefit from permitted development rights. Rights may also be restricted on newer estates.
Book your call today
In our calls, you’ll chat with a friendly member of our design team. We’ll cover everything about your project, like the project brief, budget, design limitations, and advice on planning and building regulations, and much more.
