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House Extension Balham | Rear, Side Return & Two-Storey Extensions | Crown Architecture

Extension architects | London Borough of Wandsworth planning specialists | 97% first-application success | Fixed fees from £1,500 | Call 07443804841

Crown Architecture designs and delivers house extensions across Balham and the wider London Borough of Wandsworth area. Whether you are planning a single-storey rear extension, a side return infill, a wraparound extension, or a two-storey addition, our architects produce designs that make the most of your property while complying with Wandsworth Council’s planning policies and the character of Balham’s housing stock.

We manage the full process from initial feasibility and concept design through to planning permission, Building Regulations approval, contractor procurement, and contract administration.

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Types of House Extension in Balham

Single-Storey Rear Extension

The single-storey rear extension is the most popular type in Balham. By extending into the rear garden, it creates a larger kitchen, an open-plan kitchen and dining space, or an additional reception room. Many single-storey rear extensions in Balham qualify as permitted development under Class A, subject to depth limits from the GPDO.

Crown Architecture designs single-storey rear extensions that maximise natural light using roof lanterns, bifold or sliding doors, and clever positioning of glazing. The build cost for a 20 sq m single-storey rear extension in Balham is typically £30,000-£45,000.

Side Return Extension

The large victorian and edwardian semis and terraces on cavendish road, rowfant road, and dinsmore road in Balham frequently have an underused side alley running alongside the kitchen – the side return. Filling in this space with a glazed side return extension transforms the kitchen from a narrow galley into a wide, light-filled room that opens onto the garden. Side return extensions are transformative in the typical Victorian and Edwardian terrace found across Balham.

Side return extensions are often permitted development in Balham, though party wall notices are almost always required. The build cost is typically £25,000-£45,000.

Wraparound Extension

A wraparound extension combines a rear extension with a side return infill to create an L-shaped addition at ground floor level. The wraparound maximises the available footprint and creates an exceptionally large open-plan ground floor encompassing kitchen, dining area, and living space that opens fully onto the garden.

Wraparound extensions in Balham typically require planning permission from Wandsworth Council. Crown Architecture prepares planning applications that respond positively to the Council’s design guidance.

Two-Storey Extension

A two-storey extension adds space both at ground floor and first floor level, providing the most significant increase in accommodation. Typical two-storey extensions in Balham add a new bedroom and bathroom at first-floor level above a new kitchen or reception room below. Two-storey extensions always require planning permission from Wandsworth Council.

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Planning for House Extensions in Balham

Wandsworth Council assesses householder planning applications for extensions against the Council’s Local Plan, the London Plan, and the NPPF. Key planning considerations include:

• Impact on the host property and streetscape: Extensions must not materially harm the appearance of the host property or character of the surrounding street.
• Impact on neighbouring amenity: Wandsworth Council assesses impact on adjacent properties in terms of daylight, sunlight, outlook, and privacy.
• Conservation areas: In designated conservation areas within Balham, additional scrutiny applies to materials, scale, and design.
• Permitted development: Crown Architecture confirms your permitted development position before starting the design.

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Transport and Connectivity in Balham

Balham is served by Balham Underground station (Northern line) and Balham National Rail station. Crown Architecture has worked with homeowners throughout Balham and in the neighbouring areas of Tooting, Clapham, Wandsworth, Streatham, Norbury.

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What Our Balham Clients Say

Crown Architecture designed our rear kitchen extension in Balham and it is exactly what we wanted. They handled the planning with Wandsworth Council and the Building Regulations from start to finish. The project completed on budget and on time.

We used Crown Architecture for a side return extension. The design was brilliant – they really understood how to make the most of the space while keeping the character of our Victorian terrace. Wandsworth Council approved first time.

Excellent architects. They knew what would and would not get planning permission in our conservation area and designed the extension around those constraints. We are so pleased with the result.

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Frequently Asked Questions – House Extensions in Balham

What types of house extension are possible in Balham?

The most common house extension types in Balham are single-storey rear extensions, side return extensions, wraparound extensions, and two-storey extensions. The most appropriate type depends on your property’s layout, the size of the garden, and Wandsworth Council’s planning policies.

Do I need planning permission for a house extension in Balham?

Many single-storey rear extensions in Balham can be built under Permitted Development rights without a planning application. Under Class A, a single-storey rear extension of up to 4 m (for a semi-detached or terraced house) or 8 m (for a detached house) may be built as permitted development. Extensions in conservation areas always require planning permission.

How much does a house extension cost in Balham?

House extension build costs in Balham typically range from £1,500 to £2,500 per square metre. A 20 sq m single-storey rear extension therefore costs approximately £30,000-£50,000. Crown Architecture’s drawings enable competitive contractor pricing.

How long does a house extension take to build in Balham?

A single-storey rear extension in Balham typically takes 10-14 weeks on site. The full project timeline is 4-6 months for a permitted development extension and 6-9 months where planning permission from Wandsworth Council is required.

Will I need to move out during a house extension in Balham?

Most families remain in their home during a house extension in Balham. The most disruptive phase is the connection of the new extension to the existing house. Experienced contractors manage this process to minimise disruption.

Does a house extension add value in Balham?

Yes. A well-designed house extension adds value in Balham by increasing floor area and improving the layout. Industry data suggests a single-storey rear extension adds 5-10% to a property’s value, while a kitchen extension opening onto the garden can add significantly more.

What is the Party Wall Act and does it apply to extensions in Balham?

The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 requires homeowners in Balham to serve notice on adjoining owners when building on or close to a party wall. A rear extension close to a shared boundary typically requires party wall notices. Crown Architecture advises on the party wall position during the design stage.

Can Crown Architecture project manage my extension in Balham?

Yes. Crown Architecture offers contract administration services whereby our architects act as contract administrator during construction, issuing instructions, managing changes, and certifying payments. This service provides assurance that the extension is built to the designed specification.

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Related Pages

• Architect in Balham
• Loft Conversion Balham
• Architect in Tooting
• Architect in Clapham
• Architect in Wandsworth
• Architect in Streatham

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Contact Crown Architecture for House Extensions in Balham

Phone / WhatsApp: 07443804841
Email: info@crownarchitecture.co.uk
Address: 71-75 Shelton Street, London WC2H 9JQ