Thanks for these. Im not sure if we can do the extra corner bit for number five, but I do like the layout, it will depend on cost, also don't need two tv areas, as we have a front lounge in the house anyway. the office was supposed to be a mixed use room, as a playroom with kids storage and also an occasional bedroom, so sofa bed In there. I know many people have hobs and sinks on islands, but I just think i'll end up dumping things on there.. I have four in the family, two adults, two kids, but we have a lot of people round for entertaining and parties, so space is what I'm after, but was also looking for somewhere the kids can go out of the way from adults if need be. As for kitchen, the reason for having large larder is to put not only food/drink spare fridge in there, but also things we don't use all that often in the kitchen, equipment etc.. I like everything clean and hidden away. The office on number 5 would be separate anyway as this concept includes sliding doors, which fold into the wall, so only entrance would be from outside, not sure if I can afford these yet though. Please keep suggestions coming, or alternatives, all welcome as I can't visualise.. thanks

I think the extension will transform your house. If it were me I would do it slightly differently- I would put the kitchen in the extension as I think this is the best room with higher ceilings and more light and I would have a tv area where shown. This has the added benefit of allowing you the flexibility to make your front lounge bigger if you prefer. Personally I would have a bigger gap down the side of the house and put the back door down there as I think two doors on the front of a house is confusing. I would prefer a guest cloakroom to be from the hallway rather than near your laundry. Since the extension to the side will likely have a flat roof I see no reason why you couldn’t follow the boundary line. The larger extension on your plan shows a side window that I feel limits furniture placement, is not needed for light and will benefit from no view. Your plan shows one massive rooflight and you should consider the implication for electric ceiling lights- perhaps one long thin rooflight near the main house would be more useful. But what ever you decide/ best of luck

I’m glad you like the idea for the dining table! If I’m being completely honest I don’t really know whether the new layout ideas really give you any more useable space. Do you need a desk in the room? If so it might be worth having the bit of extra space but it could be worth making the garage storage space into a study space as well rather than having the desk intrude on your living space too much. What do you think? If you kept the bigger storage room then you could maybe do something like the picture attached so having a multi purpose room?

Sounds like you will need to apply for planning permission because of the roof heights from ground level. Best thing to do though is to call and check with your planning department - if you can speak with someone! Ask to speak to the duty officer. Alternatively, if a quick call isn't possible you can go the paid for pre-app route, although more effective once you've got some sketch plans done.. I've found some variance in interpretation on what would be considered ground level from one city to another, so yours might take a particular view that may or may not be helpful to you! I think the permitted height you mention is to gutter level off the ground level - so the ridge / abutment can be higher than that. (This is all a bit off the top of my head - as in I'm not reading directly from any planning policy or guidance here but it sounds like you're reasonably familiar with the documents anyway). For the drain that runs under the patio you need to check with your local water board or building control department for what you need to do if it's their responsibility. Again different water boards have extremely different requirements and guidance. Some, like United Utility tend to let the building control department deal with it and have reasonable rules around altering manholes etc. Other water boards like South West Water insist that you apply directly them and have really strict and onerous requirements and allow very minimal to no alterations to things like manholes. If you do have a shared drain then you will need to have permission to build over it and you will probably need to make sure it can be accessed via a rodding eye or manhole - all dependent on the specific requirements of the water board in your area and the specific layout of your drain and property. You may also need to have a structural report to show that no additional load is being put on the drain that might cause cracking or other problems, and possibly other requirements... It can be a bit of a pain to be honest depending on the specifics, but if it's important enough to do it then there are usually (though not in every case) ways to achieve a build over. For internal changes in level compared to external - this is up to you and how you plan to use the space, how mobile you are and comfortable with steps - for example if you have young kids, or plan to have, then some steps in the middle of your family room might seem a bit dangerous. A good designer can incorporate steps within a room well if you prefer that, or you can do them externally within a raised patio, but you will need to include for that patio within your planning application if it's over (if I remember right) 50cm off ground level. In relation to the neighbours you may need to prove that they will not have their enjoyment of their property reduced or limited by your proposal. In some areas there are strict house extension guidelines that you have to follow - for example Farnham and Trafford. The main things are privacy and overshadowing. Your architect should be able to create diagrams to help support any design and show the planners that this has been taken into consideration and won't have a majorly negative effect on the neighbours. If you'd like my free checklist to help you with your fundamental decisions making you can get that here: https://bit.ly/2P1quQ6 Hope this helps, Jane, i-architect.co.uk