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Chelsea · South West LondonLoft conversions and extensions in Chelsea
We design and build mansard and loft conversions, extensions and renovations in Chelsea, where most homes sit in conservation areas and roof design is judged street by street.
A recent Buildspace Projects build.
Homes in Chelsea and what suits them
Chelsea's period houses include the four-storey brown or red-brick houses, three or four windows wide, that the council's Cheyne appraisal describes, and its Chelsea appraisal notes that some houses already have modern mansard roof extensions. A mansard or a carefully designed rear extension is usually the route to more space.
Planning in Chelsea
- Chelsea is in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea (RBKC). The council says over 70 per cent of the borough is protected by 35 conservation areas.
- Conservation areas here include Chelsea, Cheyne, Royal Hospital and Chelsea Park Carlyle, so almost every loft or roof extension needs planning permission.
- RBKC looks at the roofline of the whole terrace. Where the roofs of a terrace are still unaltered, extra storeys and mansards are usually resisted; where a terrace already has a mix of roof extensions, one may be acceptable. We review your terrace before designing.
- RBKC also has Article 4 directions on some streets controlling small changes such as windows, doors and roof coverings.
How we work in Chelsea
Our in-house team does the measured survey, drawings and the planning or permitted-development application through Plan It, then manages the build with a single project lead. Party wall agreements are handled through our partner surveyors. Typical build times: rear dormer 10–12 weeks, L-shaped dormer 12–14 weeks, mansard 12–16 weeks, rear extension 12–16 weeks.
Start your project
Need drawings and planning first, or ready to price the build? Choose your route, or call 0203 488 6500.
Chelsea: questions homeowners ask
Do I need planning permission for a loft conversion in Chelsea?
Almost certainly. Most of Chelsea is in conservation areas, where roof extensions need planning permission, and RBKC judges roof additions against the whole terrace.
Which council handles planning in Chelsea?
The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea (RBKC).
How long does a loft conversion or extension take in Chelsea?
Most of our lofts take 10–16 weeks on site and most rear extensions 12–16 weeks, depending on the design. If you need planning permission, allow around 8 weeks for the council's decision on a householder application, plus time to prepare the drawings.
Can you design it as well as build it?
Yes. Our Plan It service covers the measured survey, drawings and the planning or permitted-development application. You can stop there, or carry straight on to the build with the same team.