So one way to do this would be to knock down conservatory, and replace it with a much shorter full width extension across the back (out to the front edge of the patio). Then kitchen & living & new extension are knocked together to form big open plan space. Garage is split in two and becomes study at the front (accessed from hall) and utility at the back (works well with side access). Sitting room stays as is.

Expense is not small but depends partly on how many pillars you can live with in your open plan space.

Having said all this, you have an unusual plot with all that land to the side, so there may be some completely different options using that! Might actually be better building that way as you can retain more of your rear garden.

Thanks Minipie, that is a good suggestion and one worth considering, the shape of the plot is unusual as it tapers in and extends to a point at the top of the garden, we need to preserve our side access but could stagger the extension in a little. Thank you - will take a look.

Hi Jonathan, we were intending on rebuilding the dining room and increasing the width of the house by approx 1 metre, we cannot increase further without removing the side access from garden to front, and need to preserve this, There is no requirement for a garage as there is a relatively large driveway for cars.

We were considering whether, as well as the modest extension of the side wall, we should extend the kitchen wall into the garden, but this may not be cost effective for the space we would gain? What do you think? Thanks a million for your suggestion, it is an option we had not yet considered and could work very well.

This house is almost exactly the same as friends of mine, even with the conservatory and the tapering rear garden.

They turned their 'garage' into an office at the front, and utility, then extended the kitchen out further, with french doors on the side, which in your case unless you removed the conservatory wouldnt be possible, but conservatories tend to be too cold in winter and too hot in summer, and you could pinch some of the space to extend the kitchen back and across maybe.

Thanks Julie, it is so much easier to visualise with a plan/drawing! I agree it is a very similar layout and can see why your friend chose that layout, more ideas to think about, many thanks