Rear Extension Plans
Design, planning drawings and planning applications for rear home extensions. Available nationwide across England & Wales.
Rear extension design & planning
Rear extensions are the most common type of home extension in England and Wales. Extending the rear of the property creates additional ground floor living space — typically a larger kitchen, an open-plan kitchen-diner, or a separate reception room — without affecting the front appearance of the house.
Whether you need a modest kitchen extension of 3–4m or a more substantial open-plan living space, the design process involves understanding what you want to achieve, working out what will fit the property and the garden, and preparing drawings that are suitable for planning and that accurately reflect the buildable proposal.
Design considerations for rear extensions
Depth and size
The depth of a rear extension affects how much light reaches the rooms at the back of the existing house. We consider this carefully when developing the design.
Roof design
A flat roof, pitched roof, lean-to or glazed roof each have different characteristics, costs and visual impacts. We advise on the most appropriate option for the property.
Connection to the house
How the extension connects to the existing rear elevation — where walls are removed, how openings are positioned and how spaces flow — has a significant effect on how usable the finished space is.
Planning requirements
Depending on the extension size, property type and location, a rear extension may fall within Permitted Development or require a full planning application. We advise on the correct route.
Single or double storey
A double-storey rear extension adds space on both floors but has tighter planning restrictions than single-storey. We consider which option best achieves your objectives.
Impact on the garden
The size and position of the extension affects the remaining garden. We factor this into the design to find the right balance between indoor space and outdoor space.
Planning permission for rear extensions
Many single-storey rear extensions can be built under Permitted Development (PD) rights without a full planning application. The size limits for PD vary depending on the property type (detached, semi-detached or terraced), whether the property has had previous extensions, and whether it is in a conservation area or subject to an Article 4 Direction.
Even where a rear extension is Permitted Development, a Lawful Development Certificate (LDC) is often advisable to formally confirm the position. We advise on the appropriate planning route for your specific project.
Building Regulations approval is required for almost all rear extension work regardless of the planning route. Building Regulations drawings are available as a separate second-stage service after planning.
What is included in the service?
The Extension Design & Planning service typically includes: initial discussion, measured survey coordination (survey costs are quoted separately from the design fee), existing drawings, proposed plans and elevations, design input, planning application preparation and submission, and liaison through to the planning decision.
Full service details →Ready to discuss your rear extension?
Tell us about your property and what you want to achieve. We will provide a clear, fixed quotation.
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