Wrap-around Extensions London
What is a wrap-around extension?
A wrap around extension – often also called an L-shaped extension – is much as it’s described. It is where a rear extension not only projects from the back of the house, but round the side too. It wraps around the property, neatly using space that may previously have been wasted. Simply put, a wrap-around extension is the combination of rear and side return extensions in a single structure that blends in with the rest of the house.
The benefits of a wrap-around extension
Why choose a wrap-around extension in London? With a wrap-around extension / L-shaped extension you gain extra inside living space at the side of the house as well as the back. In London housing – and much 19th and early 20th century housing elsewhere too – this is often by using a side alleyway which may not otherwise add much value.
You might also be using the difficult-to-enjoy space next to the rear ‘outrigger’. This is the part of many Victorian and Edwardian homes which runs back at right angles from the main body of the house; the space next to it is often difficult to use well, so incorporating it into the house makes good sense.
In addition, a side return extension often enables you to gain valuable extra living space without the extension projecting too far into the rear garden.
With a wrap-around extension in London, the further benefit is an increase in the market value of your home. The increased living space and flexibility will not just add cash value, but also make it easier to sell, so you win all round.
Choosing how you use the side return extension will also influence its utility. Typically, you can consider
- A better connection to the garden via an open plan kitchen-dining-living area
- More natural light
- Additional spaces such as a home office, playroom, utility room and WC.
- Creating more space elsewhere in house by moving another room, perhaps the kitchen, into the extension
- A garden room, and with greater year-round flexibility than a conservatory.
The permutations are many, of course, and this is where it pays to have the services of experienced and imaginative architectural designers.
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When is a wrap-around extension suitable?
The great majority of London houses will be suitable for a wrap-around extension.
This is true even for terraced properties, so long as the house has a ‘wing’ or ‘outrigger’ creating an L shape in the original footprint – this space can then be in-filled by the new single storey wrap-around extension.
Semi detached homes will usually be suitable too. On the unattached side there is an alleyway or even a drive. If the whole of that space is to be used in the extension, you’ll need to make sure you have alternative access to the back garden – or reconcile yourself to the possibility of bringing bicycles (and maybe a lawnmower) through the house.
Detached properties will accommodate wrap-around extensions easily, and here the main judgement is going to be about dimensions and the degree to which you do or do not extend into the garden.
Permitted Development Rights? Planning Permission?
Do I need Planning Permission for a wrap-around extension?
In theory, many L-shaped extensions would seem to qualify as Permitted Development. However, in reality that is quite rare. This is because, although your wrap around extension will be one structure, for Planning purposes it is considered to be two. The permitted development criteria will be judged against the both extensions separately, making it unlikely that the project qualifies as permitted development.
For example, side extensions are only Permitted Development where they are less than half the width of the original dwelling. However, the combination of a side and rear extension will probably exceed half the width of the original property, so Planning Permission will be required.
What do local planning officers consider?
Planning policies vary between London boroughs and their Planning Authorities. However many principles are similar. Thus, you should expect to have to show that your wrap around extension will not prejudice your neighbours.
For example, your extension (even though it is likely to be only a single storey wrap-around extension) should not block your neighbour’s light in any way. You’ll need to consider other elements, such as overall appearance, whether or not your property is listed or is in a conservation area (both these factors will limit what you may be able to do), and potential loss of privacy for your neighbours.
Further, a wrap-around extension (nor any other extension) should not cover more than half of the original garden. Although this might seem unlikely, it is definitely something to remember with small city-centre gardens or back yards.
Save time and money by engaging an expert
It really will pay to get professional advice and support when making a Planning Application. You should look for a practice that combines architectural design and Planning specialisms, as that way you’ll have continuity through all stages of your wrap-around extension project.
An application for Planning Permission should be dealt with in eight weeks or less after submission, but it will also need up to two weeks for the registration process before that – and you’ll need to have your plans, drawing and specifications made ready as part of the preparation. What this really means is that you may need up to four months from starting until you get the answer to your request for Planning Permission.
Building regulations
If Planning Permission is granted, it will be given with certain conditions. These may be specifically about the design (a good architectural designer will have pre-empted these, so they should not be a problem) and you will also need to comply with Building Regulations. While these are essentially about health & safety and standards of construction, they might impact on overall design, so you should get professional advice to make sure everything your contractor does is fully compliant.
How much does a single storey wrap-around extension cost?
A single storey wrap-around house extension is a complex structural undertaking, so it will cost more than a straightforward rear ground floor extension, or a side return extension which runs down the side of the house only.
In London, factoring in the additional work and the expertise of good structural engineer, wrap-around extensions could cost upwards of £70,000.
However, wrap-around extensions can deliver considerably more space and versatility than an extension in one direction only. For this reason the additional investment will be worth it, providing it is within your budget. The pleasure, extra space and extra value you’ll gain will be worth it.
Feasibility
Your project should start with an initial meeting at your property with your architectural designers, followed by a feasibility study to assess and clarify what is possible. At this stage you’ll need to consider how the extension will be constructed. Bear in mind that the extension includes removing part of the outside walls of your house. With a wrap-around extension, this could also mean a corner where two walls meet.
Your architectural designer can help you here, and it is likely they’ll advise on the additional services of a structural engineer to take ensure the building remains structurally sound during and after the work to be done.
At the same time, your professional advisors will tell you whether or not you need a party wall agreement – which is essential if any of your construction touches upon the physical boundary with a neighbour.
The feasibility study should also include a mix of traditional 2D drawings, 3D modelling and photo-realistic renderings to create an accurate vision of your planned L-shaped extension. These provide a detailed picture of the project overall and can also be used as part of the Planning Application. They’ll also become part of the blue prints used by your contractor and project manager once work gets under way.
Maximising space and light
Key to the success of your wrap-around extension in London is to make use of natural light. You’ll want to avoid creating dark corners, so it is worth combing large windows with strategically positioned skylights too. The careful use of light will also maximise the sense of the space you are creating with the new room or rooms – and compensate for light lost in original rooms that now no longer have an outside window.
To balance this, guard against the risk of overheating. Thoughtful use of the site orientation will help with this, plus interior blinds and exterior shutters where appropriate.
Combined expertise for an inspired and perfectly executed project
At Divi Design we love the challenges that come with L-shaped extensions. We pride ourselves on inspired design, practical problems solving and comprehensive project management. As a combined practice of Architectural Designers and Planning Specialists, we have an excellent track record for successful applications for Planning Permissions and advising on Permitted Development Rights.
Most of all we take great pleasure in helping our clients transform their homes. We have considerable experience with wrap-around extensions and would be pleased to explain how we can help you turn your ideas into reality.
We do house extensions all over London. Areas include (but are not limited to): Barking & Dagenham, Bromley, Barnet, Bexley, Enfield, Greenwich, Hammersmith & Fulham, Havering, Romford, Thurrock, Twickenham, Waltham Forest, Wandsworth, Walthamstow, Richmond, High Wycombe, Harrow, and Ealing.
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Wrap-around extension FAQs
Wrap-around extensions usually allow you to greatly increase the footprint of your property and have the option to create an open-plan layout. With these two aspects in mind, the design options are plenty. Wrap-around extension usually increase the property value significantly.
A party wall agreement is usually recommended to protect both you and your neighbours during the construction process of your double storey extension. If your development is within 3m of a share neighbouring boundary, you are required to serve a notice to your neighbours
A wrap-around extension usually takes three-six months to build.