Dormer question

7 years ago

last modified: 7 years ago

Our Victorian doesn't have a loft area. Rooms are right into the roof with just a little area into the eaves. So there are lower sloping ceilings. I know the back we can get a dormer extension and ok with how that may look like. But not sure on the front. I've tried looking for examples as i don't want it to stick out and look wrong. House next ours is a Grade II and the end of the Conservation area. Any ideas?

Featured Answer

Angela Gilham

7 years ago

This is a picture of a modern dormer on a late Victorian house in the conservation area around the corner from our London flat. This style, which respects the shape and design of the original gables is very popular in our area of London (Kew/Richmond) when adding an extra room as it doesn't stand out and scream "I'm an extension!" at passers by like some of the nasties that got through in the 60s and 70s before the conservation area was established.

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Comments (10)

PRO
FPA architects
7 years ago
You will need planning approval for a dormer on the front of the house. It is worth calling your local planning department and asking whether they might be minded to approve such an addition to a house in your area - afraid planning departments often wont approve dormers to the front of a house.

If you are in the conservation area you will probably need planning permission for any works to the house.

If your house is not listed and not in the conservation area it is worth investigating maximising the space you can add to the rear under permitted development - details can be found on the planning portal

https://ecab.planningportal.co.uk/uploads/miniguides/lofts/Lofts.pdf

when setting out to do any work under permitted development, for piece of mind apply to the planning department for a Lawful Development Certificate - this is not the same as planning permission but is proof that you house extension/dormer is lawful
PRO
User
7 years ago
Echoing FPA, you need planning permission and it's probably unlikely that you would get permission for a dormer on the front unless you can show a precedence on neighbouring properties. So i'd make an appointment with the local planning officer and ask them.
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Sophia
Original Author
7 years ago
Thank you both. Knew that I would need to go through planning especially being next to a Grade II and conservation area. I was trying to look for images of how a front dormer would look like, whether there was any type of design say that would suit and blend into the building.

I will also be looking at planning for a balcony out to the garden. I have a raised ground up building so not much I can do for extra space.
Sophia
Original Author
7 years ago
Like these... that would suit the house better. Just needed to ask the right question in my searches
PRO
User
7 years ago
It's always a good idea to have a look at what you like and what you think may suit the house. I find with most planning departments, that they can have very fixed ideas on what you can have. They may go for something sympathetic to the building at the front, whilst at the rear a completely modern look might be accepted. The modern 'block' shape dormers will obviously give you much more room inside, so that would be better for you.

Regards a balcony that may be even trickier, not only do you need permission, but it will get posted for 'neighbours' objections as they may not want to be overlooked.

Have a chat with planning, it's all down to them, and, you don't want to go to the trouble of submitting plans that may be rejected.
PRO
OnePlan
7 years ago
Timely post as I'm about to ask my planning dept the same question !! Watching with interest !!!
Laura Wheat
7 years ago
No advice - but I really love your house! What a beaut!
Helen Baynham
7 years ago
Your house is absolutely beautiful as it is! I understand that you have need for more space upstairs but I would leave the front well alone and be very careful with the back dormer. I'm not saying don't go modern as that can work well but you do need to look carefully at the overall picture and don't forget the aesthetics and feel of the design. The detail of the paintwork round the roof is beautiful - I would want to keep it! Sorry if this is not what you want to hear but I would find a good architect to help you to get the rear right with a very tasteful well proportioned design. Good luck with it anyway.
Sophia
Original Author
7 years ago
Thanks very much all.

I'm waiting for some companies to get back to me to get an idea of what's possible.. budget and high end. I've added a picture of the inside and my main issue is the slopes. (1st picture with the bath) And this is why I think a dormer for the back would work and I'd really love glass full length windows all along. And possibly of adding an compact en-suite. We do also have the option of joining the room to the front bedroom (2nd picture) and making one large bedroom. But it's loosing a room??? Is that wise. The house is currently 4 beds.

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Angela Gilham

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