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Kensington · West LondonLoft conversions and extensions in Kensington
We design and build mansard and loft conversions, extensions and renovations in Kensington, working with the Royal Borough's conservation-area rules from the first sketch.
A recent Buildspace Projects build.
Homes in Kensington and what suits them
The council's Kensington conservation area appraisal says properties date mainly from the late Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian eras, and that many houses have been increased by the addition of mansard roofs. A well-designed mansard or rear extension is usually the way to add space.
Planning in Kensington
- Kensington is in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea (RBKC). The council says over 70 per cent of the borough is in its 35 conservation areas.
- Conservation areas include Kensington, Kensington Square, Edwardes Square, Scarsdale and Abingdon, and Holland Park, so most roof extensions need planning permission.
- RBKC looks at the roofline of the whole terrace. Where a terrace's roofs are unaltered, extra storeys and mansards are usually resisted; where several neighbours already have roof extensions, one may be acceptable.
- Some streets also have Article 4 directions controlling small external changes such as windows, doors and roof coverings.
How we work in Kensington
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.
Kensington: questions homeowners ask
Do I need planning permission for a loft conversion in Kensington?
Almost certainly. Most of Kensington is in conservation areas, so roof extensions need planning permission, and RBKC judges them against the whole terrace.
Which council handles planning in Kensington?
The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea (RBKC).
How long does a loft conversion or extension take in Kensington?
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.
Nearby areas
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