So, I really don't know if you'd get planning permission for this, but just brainstorming: move the front door to the side. Let go of the idea that you need to keep the garage door and you could do something like this...

Also possibly pop some glazing in the hall on the wall opposite the WC entrance?

Primrose Hill Apartment · More Info

Carl Place Addition · More Info

Could you do full width bi-fold doors across the back?

I've read with interest all the great ideas you have been getting here - one question which I don't think was asked & is critical - Which aspect is the house? This is really critical to give you the best layout.

hahaha

Keep in mind that opening up to the upstairs like that, will quite possibly have an impact on your heating bill. Warm air rises.

I wonder why the architect said that....Is the rear South facing? Does he think you wouldn't get planning at the front? It would seem a pity not to improve the whole layout downstairs & the front elevation in one go.

& obviously if you though this was viable it would have knock on effect for the layout.

I would suggest don't rush in to getting someone new -talk to friends & look at Houzz professionals in your area. Look closely at their projects & read their reviews. If you find someone you like pick up the phone for a chat - if they haven't got time to chat but are interested just ask can you email them with what you want on your project (or link them to this Design Dilemma)
All that said, I would be very hesitant at extending out on a North facing facade (kitchen) as you will have no sunlight there. I know there are comments about you having enough light, but there is no substitution for a little South facing sunlight coming in.

I will take a look at the plan sometime over the next few days, taking on board everyones input that you liked.

An idea of what large storage issues you have would be helpful. You can PM me if you like!

I like Jonathan's plan enormously ( as usual ). I also think it's a complete waste keeping a garage in any form when it's an internal one. The garages were built in the day when 7 feet was sufficient to park a car in and open the doors either side to get out. Modern day cars don't fit in them often. Thus, if you convert the garage, you are better utilising the space and visually improving the front of the house too.

With some hard and soft landscaping, I think you can make it more individual and look less connected to the next door house.

Usually I really like Jonathan's plans, but I would have reservations about losing the hall and/or making it a very tiny entrance. Just a thought :-)

Having read with interest all the posts, including the weird comments from the Architect...............I would point out that I'm not sure some of the ideas would work from the Drainage point of view.

You have to start with the drains.

I am guessing that they go out of the wall on the right hand side of the house towards the front.

Therefore, moving the kitchen to the other side of the house is unlikely to be feasible.

A simple change like this may be best:-

I like to find out from local estate agents what people want from houses in your area, what others look like inside and what others have done. Always ensure you are not spending more than the house is going to be worth as an end product.

Agree Jonathan, forgot to add as was in a hurry as usual:- That following the chaps want for an extension in the future, then the new extension would serve as the primary lounge area attached to the new kitchen diner and the old one a kind of second small lounge area.

The current lounge is 345cm x 560 cm

Hi Dan..............I don't think you need an Architect, the build isn't big enough or fancy enough, no offence. I do think you may benefit from a Concept planner as they can take you through all sorts of ideas and in 3d. It makes a huge difference to see things in 3D.

I think you also need to heed that the dimensions inside are not those outside. For instance if you went with a permitted development extension of 3m out from your house, by the time you have built the cavity wall it's now 300-500mm smaller and that would be both sides and the rear wall, thus, it's actually considerably smaller inside.

Here are a few of the layouts plus a couple of my own to help you visualise.

This is with a full width extension:-

I have thought today that maybe the answer is actually much more simple.

What if we just extend the current kitchen at the front, enough to fit in a dining table or sofa / coffee table. We would then have a social kitchen, at least somewhere for people to sit!

However, there is rumor in the street that our adjoining neighbor was unable to extend due to drains? Other kitchens in the street have been extended exactly the same. What would stop this extension? I have taken photos of drains!

The local council are unlikely to grant planning for an extension forward of the build line. If they have to do it for one, then they have to do it for all and it spoils the lineage of the street.

You can ask, but I would expect the answer to be no.

Hi Darren, having seen the photo's of the neighbours, no you may not have problems with planning.

However, I don't see how this will solve your initial directive. You wanted a social space connected with the lounge.

Just making the kitchen bigger I don't think solves this.

I also do not think that the majority of people these days just want a big kitchen, they, like you want more open plan / broken plan living, thus putting the extension at the rear makes the most sense.

I think you're going round in circles and making this a lot harder than it needs to be.

There's enough room at the back for an extension, which gives you great space and lets you keep the garage. Win, win.................and more saleable in the future with more probably adds the most value to the house.

Check with an estate agent.

Totally agree Jen, they aren't great, they don't add anything other than a slightly bigger kitchen and that's not what the directive was.