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Planning guides & data

159 evidence-led articles on planning permission, permitted development, extension costs and London borough rules - built from 9 million UK planning decisions.

159 of 159 articles
Latest · Planning & Permitted Development

How the Mayfair Studio Planning Checker Works (2026): What 90 Seconds of Analysis Actually Includes

Full breakdown of what the free Mayfair Studio planning checker analyses: 10 national datasets, 32 London borough policies, 9m+ planning decisions, PD rights, Article 4, conservation areas, flood risk and more.
· 8 min read
Costs & Finance

How Much Do Architectural Drawings Cost in London? (2026)

Planning drawings £1,295–£3,000, building regs £1,500–£4,000, structural engineering £600–£1,500. Cost breakdown by drawing type, factors affecting price, and fixed fee vs hourly comparison.
10 min read
Planning

Do I Need an Architect for a Home Extension in London?

No legal requirement - but here is the practical case. When professional drawings are essential, what happens when homeowners skip them, and how fixed-fee services from £1,295 cover everything you need.
9 min read
Finding an Architect

Best Architects for Home Extensions in London (2026 Guide)

Ranked guide to the best architects for London home extensions. Mayfair Studio fixed fees from £1,295 vs local RIBA practices (8–15%), Resi, and freelance technicians - with comparison table.
12 min read
Borough Guides

Richmond Extensions 2026: Planning & Costs

Home extensions in Richmond upon Thames 2026: conservation areas in Kew, Twickenham and Ham, Article 4 directions, Green Belt limits, and 2026 costs.
7 min read
Borough Guides

Merton Extensions 2026: Planning & Costs

Home extensions in Merton 2026: planning rules, Wimbledon and Mitcham conservation areas, Article 4 directions, and costs for SW19, SW20, CR4, SM4.
7 min read
Borough Guides

Lewisham Extensions 2026: Planning & Costs

Extending in Lewisham 2026: permitted development, Brockley and Blackheath conservation areas, Article 4 directions, planning tips, and 2026 costs inc VAT.
7 min read
Borough Guides

Haringey Extensions 2026: Planning & Costs

Home extensions in Haringey 2026: planning rules, conservation areas in Crouch End, Muswell Hill and Highgate, Article 4 directions, and 2026 costs.
7 min read
Borough Guides

Ealing Home Extension Guide 2026

Extending in Ealing 2026: SPD 4 design rules, Brentham Garden Estate Article 4 direction, conservation areas, planning tips, and typical 2026 costs inc VAT.
7 min read
Borough Guides

Brent Extension Guide 2026: Costs & Rules

Guide to home extensions in Brent 2026. Covers the new January 2025 SPD, conservation areas, Article 4 directions, Mapesbury Estate rules, and typical costs.
7 min read
Extensions

Solar Panels on Extensions London 2026

Solar panels on extensions London 2026: Part 14 Class A planning rules, costs from £1,400/kWp, SEG payments, battery storage, and typical payback periods.
7 min read
Planning

CDM Regulations: London Home Extensions

CDM Regulations 2015 for London home extensions: when they apply, domestic client duties, duty holders, HSE F10 notification, and the Health and Safety file.
7 min read
Planning

Planning Refused: London Extensions Guide

Around 30% of householder planning applications in London are refused. Here are the 10 most common reasons - and how to avoid each one before you submit.
7 min read
Planning

Building Control London Extensions 2026

Building control for London extensions 2026: full plans vs building notice, inspection stages, completion certificates, LABC vs approved inspectors, and fees.
7 min read
Costs & Finance

Home Extension Insurance London Guide

Home extension insurance London: notify your insurer, arrange site cover, and get a structural warranty. What each policy covers and when you need it.
7 min read
Costs & Finance

Council Tax & Home Extensions London

Does a home extension raise council tax in London? Usually not while you live there - here is what triggers a VOA reassessment and how to respond if it does.
7 min read
Conversions

Granny Annexe London 2026: Costs & Rules

Granny annexe London 2026: planning rules, garage conversion £25k–£50k, extension annexe £60k–£120k inc VAT, CIL exemption, and council tax discount explained.
7 min read
Extensions

Modular Extensions London 2026: SIPs Guide

Modular extensions London 2026: SIPs, timber frame, steel frame and volumetric pods. Costs vs traditional build, planning rules, building regs, and mortgages.
7 min read
Extensions

Dormer Extension London 2026: Costs & Rules

Dormer extension London 2026: flat roof, shed, hip-to-gable and L-shaped dormers. Costs, Class B permitted development rules, and party wall guidance.
7 min read
Extensions

1930s Semi Extension London 2026: Guide

1930s semi extension London 2026: rear £55k–£120k, side £45k–£85k, hip-to-gable £55k–£90k, wrap-around £80k–£150k inc VAT. Planning and structure guide.
7 min read
Borough Guides

Barnet Extension Guide 2026: Costs & Rules

Extending in Barnet in 2026? Covers permitted development, Hampstead Garden Suburb restrictions, conservation areas, Article 4 directions, and typical costs.
7 min read
Extensions

Heat Pumps & Extensions London 2026

Heat pump during a London extension 2026: costs inc VAT, the £7,500 Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant, underfloor heating, running cost vs gas, and planning rules.
7 min read
Planning

Future Homes Standard 2026 Extensions

Future Homes Standard and London extensions 2026: Part L U-values (walls 0.18, roof 0.15), heat pumps, triple glazing, MVHR, solar PV, and 0% VAT on upgrades.
7 min read
Planning

45-Degree Rule: London Extensions Guide

45-degree rule for London extensions: how it is measured, which boroughs apply it, and what to do if your design fails the test. 25-degree rule also covered.
7 min read
Planning

4-Year Rule Dead: 10-Year Enforcement 2026

The 4-year rule is replaced by a 10-year enforcement period from April 2024. What this means for London homeowners, mortgages, and certificates of lawful use.
7 min read
Planning

Lawful Development Certificate London 2026

Lawful development certificate London: £206 application fee, £700–£2,000 all-in. When you need CLOPUD vs CLEUD and how to build a strong 8-week case.
7 min read
Planning

Permitted Development Changes 2026

PD changes 2026: larger rear extensions without planning permission, simplified loft conversion rules, curtilage changes. What London homeowners should do now.
7 min read
Costs & Finance

Kitchen Extension Cost London 2026: Prices

Kitchen extension costs London 2026: small 15m² from £60k, medium 20m² from £85k, large 30m² from £120k inc VAT. Build cost vs kitchen fit-out by spec level.
7 min read
Costs & Finance

Extension Cost by Size London 2026

London extension costs by size 2026: 3m×6m is £72k–£110k, 4m×6m is £98k–£142k, all inc VAT. Covers architect, engineer, building regs and contingency.
7 min read
Extensions

Garden Room vs Extension London 2026

Garden room vs extension London 2026: garden rooms £15k–£40k, extensions £50k–£120k+. Planning rules, value added, build time, and which option suits your plot.
7 min read
Extensions

3m Kitchen Extension London 2026: Guide

3m kitchen extension London 2026: costs £50k–£108k inc VAT depending on width. No planning application under permitted development. Layouts and design tips.
7 min read
Extensions

Extension Above a Garage London 2026

Extension above a garage London 2026: integral £25k–£45k, new storey above integral £55k–£90k, above detached £65k–£110k inc VAT. Planning and structure guide.
7 min read
Extensions

Upward Extensions London 2026: Add a Storey

Add a storey to your London home 2026: Class AA and AB permitted development, prior approval, costs £120k–£200k+ inc VAT, and structural challenges.
7 min read
Extensions

Flat Extension London 2026: Leasehold Guide

Flat extension London 2026: costs £55k–£130k inc VAT. No permitted development for flats - planning permission always required. Leasehold consent explained.
7 min read
Conversions

Mansard Loft Conversion London 2026: Costs

Mansard loft conversion London 2026: basic £65k–£95k, mid-range £90k–£130k, high-spec £130k–£180k inc VAT. Planning, party wall, and space vs rear dormer.
7 min read
Extensions

Detached House Extension London 2026

Detached house extension London 2026: rear £82k–£118k, two-storey £140k–£220k, wrap-around £110k–£170k inc VAT. 8m PD rules and design guide.
7 min read
Extensions

Victorian House Extension London 2026

Victorian house extension costs London 2026: side return £40k–£75k, rear £55k–£120k, wrap-around £80k–£150k, loft £55k–£120k. Conservation areas covered.
7 min read
Extensions

Rear Extension London 2026: Costs, Sizes & Planning Guide

Rear extension costs London 2026 inc VAT: 3m×5m £62k–£90k, 4m×5m £82k–£118k, 5m×6m £122k–£178k. Permitted development rules, prior approval scheme, design decisions and timeline.
10 min read
Finding an Architect

Architect Fees London 2026: What You'll Actually Pay

London architect fees 2026: 8–15% of build cost or £3k–£15k fixed. RIBA stage breakdown, what drives pricing, red flags to avoid, and how to compare quotes.
7 min read
Borough Guides

Kensington & Chelsea Extension Guide 2026

Extending in Kensington & Chelsea (RBKC)? 73% conservation coverage, strict basement rules, costs 20–30% above London average. Expert planning and design guide.
7 min read
Design

Underfloor Heating Extensions London 2026

Underfloor heating for London extensions 2026: wet vs electric UFH from £25/m², Part L building regs compliance, best flooring choices, and installation advice.
7 min read
Design

London Stock Brick Matching for Extensions

How to match London stock bricks for extensions. New vs reclaimed, mortar matching, conservation area requirements, and sourcing guide. Updated 2026.
7 min read
Design

Kitchen-Diner Extension Layouts London

Six proven kitchen-diner extension layouts for London homes. Galley, L-shaped, island, linear, U-shaped, and broken-plan designs with costs and minimum sizes.
7 min read
Design

Roof Lantern vs Skylight for Extensions

Skylights from £500 or roof lanterns from £2,500? Compare light performance, thermal efficiency, planning rules, and design impact for your London extension.
7 min read
Design

Bifold vs Sliding Doors for Extensions 2026

Bifold doors £3k-8k vs sliding doors £4k-12k for extensions. Bifolds open 90%+, sliding offer slim sightlines and better thermals. Full London comparison guide.
7 min read
Planning

Right to Light London 2026: Rules & Costs

Right to light can stop your extension even with planning permission. 45-degree rule explained, BRE daylight assessment from £800, how to resolve neighbour disputes.
7 min read
Planning

Build Over Agreement London: Thames Water

Building within 3m of a public sewer? Thames Water build over approval takes 6–12 weeks and costs £300–£1,000. Step-by-step guide for London extension owners.
7 min read
Extensions

Porch Extension London 2026: Costs & Guide

Complete guide to porch extensions in London. Costs from £2,000, permitted development rules, design options for Victorian and modern homes. Updated 2026.
7 min read
Borough Guides

Lambeth Extension Rules 2026: Costs & Guide

Complete guide to home extensions in Lambeth. Planning rules, basement SPD, conservation areas, design guidance, and typical costs. Updated 2026.
7 min read
Planning

Prior Approval London 2026: How to Apply

Complete guide to prior approval in London. Larger home extensions, office to residential conversions, and other developments that need council notification.
7 min read
Planning

Building Regulations for Extensions 2026

Complete guide to building regs for extensions. Structural, fire safety, insulation, ventilation requirements. Costs and inspection stages.
8 min read
Borough Guides

Wandsworth Extension Planning 2026

Wandsworth extension guide 2026: permitted development rules, basement policy, conservation areas, and typical costs for rear and side return extensions.
7 min read
Borough Guides

Hackney Extension Guide 2026: Costs & Rules

Complete guide to home extensions in Hackney. New SPD guidance, planning permission, conservation areas, basement policy, and typical costs. Updated 2026.
7 min read
Borough Guides

Camden Extension Guide 2026: Costs & Rules

Camden extension guide 2026: planning rules, permitted development, Article 4 directions, conservation areas, basement policy, and costs. Updated Feb 2026.
7 min read
Costs & Finance

Home Extension Challenges London 2026

Builder shortages, rising material costs, planning delays and Part L changes - the key challenges facing London homeowners extending their properties in 2026.
7 min read
Costs & Finance

Extension ROI London 2026: Value Added

Will your extension pay for itself? Complete ROI analysis for London extensions. Find out which projects add 15-25% value vs which lose money.
7 min read
Costs & Finance

Extension Financing London 2026

Finance a London extension in 2026: remortgage, further advance, or home improvement loan compared. Options for £50k–£150k projects with staged payments.
7 min read
Borough Guides

Wandsworth Extension Planning 2025

Wandsworth extension guide 2025: permitted development rules, basement policy, conservation areas, and typical costs for rear and side return extensions.
7 min read
Extensions

Flat Roof vs Pitched Roof Extension London 2025

Flat roof £52k vs pitched £60k for 30m² extension. Flat: cheaper, easier permitted development, 20-year lifespan. Pitched: 50-90 years, less maintenance, better resale.
9 min read
Extensions

Side Return Extension London: Complete Guide

Everything about side return extensions in London. Average costs £55k-85k, planning vs permitted development, kitchen integration, and real examples.
5 min read
Extensions

Semi-Detached House Extension London

Extension options for semi-detached houses. permitted development limits, rear and side extensions, loft conversions, costs, and one-side party walls.
6 min read
Extensions

Kitchen Extension London: Design & Costs

Kitchen extension guide. Open-plan layouts, bi-fold doors, lighting, costs £75k-120k. Rear, side return, and wrap-around options.
7 min read
Planning

London Extension Timeline & Process 2025

Complete extension timeline from design to completion. 6-12 months typical. Planning, building regs, party wall, construction stages.
8 min read
Borough Guides

Lambeth Extension Rules 2025: Costs & Guide

Complete guide to home extensions in Lambeth. Planning rules, basement SPD, conservation areas, design guidance, and typical costs. Updated 2025.
7 min read
Borough Guides

Hackney Extension Guide 2025: Costs & Rules

Complete guide to home extensions in Hackney. New SPD guidance, planning permission, conservation areas, basement policy, and typical costs. Updated 2025.
7 min read
Borough Guides

Camden Extension Guide 2025: Costs & Rules

Camden extension guide 2025: planning rules, permitted development, Article 4 directions, conservation areas, basement policy, and costs. Updated Oct 2025.
7 min read
Planning

Listed Building Extension London 2025

Extending a listed building in London needs listed building consent. Grade I and II rules, conservation officer advice, and realistic costs explained.
7 min read
Planning

Building Regs for Extensions 2025: Guide

Building regulations for home extensions: structural, fire, insulation and drainage rules explained. Approval costs £1,000–£2,000 with full inspection stages.
7 min read
Planning

Permitted Development Rights London 2025

Permitted development rights London 2025: size limits by type, Article 4 directions by borough, what you can build without planning permission. Oct 2025.
8 min read
Costs & Finance

Extend vs Move House London 2025

Should you extend or move house in London? Complete cost comparison including stamp duty 2025 changes, extension costs, moving costs, and ROI analysis.
7 min read
Extensions

Rear Extension London 2025: Cost & Planning

Rear extension London guide 2025: single-storey costs £75k–£120k, two-storey £110k–£150k. Permitted development limits, planning rules, and design options.
8 min read
Conversions

Loft Conversion London 2025: Costs & Guide

London loft conversion guide 2025: dormer, mansard, hip-to-gable costs £45k–£85k. Building regulations, planning rules, and common mistakes to avoid.
8 min read
Planning

Top 10 Traffic Consultants London 2025

Ranked list of London traffic consultants for home extensions. Transport statements, parking surveys, Construction Management Plans from £350.
10 min read
Planning

Top 10 Drainage Consultants London 2025

Ranked list of London drainage consultants for home extensions. Thames Water Build Over agreements, CCTV surveys from £250, soakaway design specialists.
12 min read
Planning

Top 10 Tree & Ecology Consultants London 2025

Ranked list of London arboriculturists and ecologists for home extensions. BS5837 surveys from £350. Essential for TPO trees, bat surveys, and planning compliance.
10 min read
Planning

Top 10 Fire Safety Consultants London 2025

Ranked list of London fire safety consultants for home extensions. Fire strategy reports from £350. Essential for loft conversions, open plan layouts, and Building Regs compliance.
9 min read
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