Do I need planning permission for an extension?

Not always. Many single-storey and some two-storey extensions can be built under permitted development, within limits on size, height and position. Those rights are reduced in conservation areas and National Parks, do not apply to flats, and are sometimes removed by a condition on an earlier permission, so we check the position for your house before designing.

Can a bungalow be turned into a two-storey family home?

Often, yes. Our Springfield Road project in Ashley Cross, Poole, turned a single-storey bungalow into a four-bedroom contemporary home through extensions and a loft conversion. Whether it works on a given street depends on the neighbours, the roof heights nearby and the planning authority's policies.

Do extensions need building regulations approval?

Almost always. Building regulations are separate from planning permission and cover structure, fire safety, insulation, ventilation and drainage. Approval is needed even when an extension does not need planning permission.

Do you take on smaller extensions?

We do. The same care goes into a rear extension as into a new house. If a project is not the right fit for the practice, we will say so at the first conversation.

Springfield Road, Ashley Cross: a bungalow extended and remodelled by LUSO Architecture

Services

House Extensions and Renovations

Extensions, remodelling and whole-house transformations that add space and light without losing what was good about the house.

Much of the housing in Poole, Bournemouth and around Ringwood is well placed and badly planned: bungalows with dark middles, houses with their best views behind a utility room. LUSO Architecture redesigns homes like these, from a single rear extension to a complete remodelling with new floors, new elevations and a new plan.

We start by working out what the house needs to do differently, and only then how much of that calls for new building. Sometimes the answer is an extension. Often it is moving the stairs, opening the plan and extending a little. We check early whether the work needs planning permission or falls under permitted development, because that shapes both the design and the programme.

What the service covers

Measured survey and appraisal: Accurate drawings of the existing house, and a clear account of what can change and what the planning position is.
Design options: Alternative layouts tested against how you live, drawn in plan and shown in 3D so the differences are plain.
Planning or lawful development: A householder planning application where one is needed, or a lawful development certificate where the work is permitted development and you want it confirmed in writing.
Building regulations drawings: Construction details and specification for building control and for pricing by builders.
Interiors and joinery: Kitchens, bathrooms, lighting and fitted joinery designed with the building work, by the same team.

Extensions and transformations by LUSO

Springfield Road, Ashley Cross

This project involved the full transformation of a tired, single-storey bungalow into a high-quality 4-bedroom home through a rear and front…

Residential Redevelopment

Avon Avenue, Avon Castle

This project involved the complete transformation of an existing single-storey, 3-bedroom bungalow into a striking 7-bedroom luxury family home,…

Luxury Residential

Covena Road, Southbourne

This project proposes a high - end rear extension to an existing property in Southbourne, designed to introduce a sophisticated open - plan living…

Luxury Extension

New Road, Ferndown

This project reimagines an existing bungalow situated on a spacious suburban plot along New Road, Ferndown, transforming the property into a refined…

Bespoke Extension and Remodel

Christchurch Road, Kingston

This project reimagines an existing bungalow through a carefully considered loft conversion and internal reconfiguration, transforming the property…

Extension and Remodelling Project

Ashley Heath, Ringwood

This project transforms an existing bungalow situated on a generous rural plot into a striking contemporary family home, carefully designed to…

Contemporary Cottage Remodelling

Extensions & Renovations: common questions

Do I need planning permission for an extension?: Not always. Many single-storey and some two-storey extensions can be built under permitted development, within limits on size, height and position. Those rights are reduced in conservation areas and National Parks, do not apply to flats, and are sometimes removed by a condition on an earlier permission, so we check the position for your house before designing.
Can a bungalow be turned into a two-storey family home?: Often, yes. Our Springfield Road project in Ashley Cross, Poole, turned a single-storey bungalow into a four-bedroom contemporary home through extensions and a loft conversion. Whether it works on a given street depends on the neighbours, the roof heights nearby and the planning authority's policies.
Do extensions need building regulations approval?: Almost always. Building regulations are separate from planning permission and cover structure, fire safety, insulation, ventilation and drainage. Approval is needed even when an extension does not need planning permission.
Do you take on smaller extensions?: We do. The same care goes into a rear extension as into a new house. If a project is not the right fit for the practice, we will say so at the first conversation.

Where we work, and further reading

Other services

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Ready to discuss your project?

Whether you are planning a new build, a renovation, or a development, we would love to hear about it.

Start a conversation 01202 272112