Loft conversions and extensions in Dulwich

We design and build loft conversions, extensions and renovations in Dulwich, from the Victorian and Edwardian terraces of East Dulwich to the larger period houses around Dulwich Village.

Kitchen extension with island, roof lights and doors to the garden

A recent Buildspace Projects build.

Homes in Dulwich and what suits them

Many Dulwich terraces have a back addition, which makes them a good fit for an L-shaped dormer loft (often room for a bedroom and a bathroom) and a side-return or wraparound kitchen extension at the back. Larger semi-detached and detached houses often suit a hip-to-gable loft or a rear extension across the full width.

Planning in Dulwich

Most of Dulwich is in the London Borough of Southwark, so planning and building control applications go to Southwark Council.
Dulwich Village is a conservation area. Loft dormers and many extensions there need full planning permission, and designs need to respect the street.
Many homes in Dulwich are covered by the Dulwich Estate's Scheme of Management. Southwark's Dulwich planning guidance says the Estate's written consent is needed for changes to the outside of these homes, whether or not planning permission is needed. We check this at the start and include it in the programme.
Outside conservation areas, many rear dormers and single-storey rear extensions can be built under permitted development.

How we work in Dulwich

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.

Get a free build estimate →Instant budget range, build time and planning route.Design and planning (Plan It) →Survey, drawings and the planning application.

Recent projects near Dulwich

Hillcourt Road, East Dulwich SE22: loft conversion, extension and home renovation by Buildspace Projects

Hillcourt Road, SE22Loft conversion, extension and home renovation in East Dulwich.View the case study (PDF) →

Crawthew Grove, East Dulwich SE22: loft conversion and home renovation by Buildspace Projects

Crawthew Grove, SE22Loft conversion and home renovation in East Dulwich.View the case study (PDF) →

Ruskin Walk, Herne Hill SE24: loft conversion by Buildspace Projects

Ruskin Walk, SE24Loft conversion in Herne Hill.View the case study (PDF) →

Dulwich: questions homeowners ask

Do I need planning permission for a loft conversion in Dulwich?

Outside the Dulwich Village conservation area, many rear dormers can be built under permitted development. In the conservation area, or for a mansard or front dormer, you need planning permission. Homes under the Dulwich Estate's Scheme of Management also need the Estate's consent.

Which council handles planning in Dulwich?

Southwark Council handles planning for most of Dulwich. If your home is covered by the Dulwich Estate's Scheme of Management, you also need the Estate's consent for external changes.

How long does a loft conversion or extension take in Dulwich?

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.