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Forest Hill · South East LondonLoft conversions and extensions in Forest Hill
We design and build loft conversions, extensions and renovations in Forest Hill, including our loft conversion and home renovation on Hawkesfield Road, SE23.
A recent Buildspace Projects build.
Homes in Forest Hill and what suits them
Lewisham Council describes Forest Hill as a typical 19th-century London suburb that grew after the railway arrived in 1839. Its Victorian terraces and semi-detached houses suit rear and L-shaped dormer lofts and rear or side-return extensions, and larger houses often suit a hip-to-gable loft.
Planning in Forest Hill
- Forest Hill is in the London Borough of Lewisham, so applications go to Lewisham Council.
- The Forest Hill conservation area covers 45 hectares, the fifth largest in the borough. It is mostly residential streets built between 1840 and 1900, plus the area around the Horniman Museum.
- The conservation area has an Article 4 direction to keep its original architectural features, so some alterations that would normally be permitted development need planning permission. We check the direction against your street before we draw anything.
- Outside the conservation area, many rear dormers and single-storey rear extensions can be built under permitted development.
How we work in Forest Hill
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.
Our work in Forest Hill
Hawkesfield Road, SE23Loft conversion and home renovation in Forest Hill.View the case study (PDF) →Forest Hill: questions homeowners ask
Do I need planning permission for a loft conversion in Forest Hill?
Outside the Forest Hill conservation area, many rear dormers can be built under permitted development. Inside it, dormers need planning permission, and the Article 4 direction removes some further permitted development rights.
Which council handles planning in Forest Hill?
Lewisham Council.
How long does a loft conversion or extension take in Forest Hill?
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.