Good morning Hazel, Here's a link to a guide on small extensions under permitted development, if you haven't already looked at. https://interactive.planningportal.co.uk/mini-guide/extensions-single-storey/0 Once you have more idea on the construction of the extension and the exact dimensions, you'll be able to properly assess the internal space you have. You are correct in saying that it wouldn't be ideal to have to walk through the living space into the extension for the dining room. The proposed extension itself may not be ideal for a living/family area once a sofa and TV are in, as this won't leave much space for an external bi-fold/sliding door. Another option to explore is moving the kitchen to the left and having the living/family room to the right hand side (where the kitchen is currently situated). This will then mean the extension will hold the dining space.

Hi, Georgina I could certainly help you put together a design for these 3 spaces. A much smaller space but this is a concept design I recently put together for a family in Milton Keynes (all of the work was done remotely due to COVID). www.myclaybrickhome.com/post/kitchen-concept-design I also completed a large reno at My Claybrick Home last year and you can see some of my kitchen photos here. www.houzz.co.uk/hznb/projects/kitchen-and-dining-space-pj-vj~6337964 If you would like a concept design putting together the cost is £150. This covers the kitchen & family room. Feel free to drop me a reply or an email to vicky@myclaybrickhome.com to book a free no obligation consultation. Good luck with the extension Rgds Vicky

I agree with everyone saying that open plan is good if you have a dedicated enclosed space for a snug or second living room. My son is an architect and he has seen a major change with people requesting ways to separate spaces to revert back to a more traditional layout. What about privacy for those moments when kids bring their friends over, they really do not want parents listening and being in their space! Designing a space for a growing family means trying to future proof the footprint. No matter how quiet appliances are meant to be, they will end up irritating you. We have a coffee machine, extractor fan, washing machine, tumble dryer, microwave, kettle in our current kitchen and are lucky enough to be able to move the kitchen into a 10sqm study to create a separate utility and then build a rear extension with a kitchen / diner / snug. We also have a ground floor loo and living room on the other side of the house. The noise of appliances we find exceptionally intrusive, partitions and half height walls may help reduce the noise but won’t eliminate them. Have you also thought about where you will store the kids toys, books etc and how easily you will be able to hide food preparation and washing etc from visitor? I do like the idea of having sliding doors if that is at all possible to zone off spaces when you do want a quiet area.

Oh that's a good idea. I have just look at this option and the Automist system. I will ask whether this is acceptable to them. But still, I have email from Wandsworth Coundil saying that escape windows are acceptable and I do not need a specific corridor for exit since my flat is no at a height higher than 4.5m. I sent an email to Hammersmith and Fulham Council just in case and they agree as well. Can I take actions to force the freeholder (here Notting Hill Genesis) to simply follow Building Regulations? In your sense, do they have the right to ask for more? Thanks