Work is progressing at a steady pace at Mead Close, Egham.  In the New Year, the internal works will be finished on the single storey rear extension and extension over the garage with completion due in spring 2021.  The new works will provide a dual aspect master bedroom and en-suite over the garage and an enlarged open plan kitchen / dining area.

Following planning approval in the summer, work started last week at France Hill Drive, Camberley. The single storey extension and conversion over the garage is due for completion next spring.  On completion, the extension will provide the owners with much needed extra family space and a larger bedroom.  The contemporary-styled open plan extension will be filled with natural light and flowing space zones. The contractor is Marshall and Mace.

MJH Architects are delighted to announce that we have secured planning permission in the Darby Green Conservation Area in the Hart District for a contemporary style single storey extension. The design is focused on improving the relationship between the inside and outside of the property and the internal flow of the house.  The existing rear elevation will be opened up to create a large glazed screen that will allow for greater natural light penetration. The existing kitchen and dining space will be incorporated into a new family/snug extension, with a complimentary wrap around glazed wall. Work is due to start on site early next summer.

We have recently received enquiries relating to upwards extensions that can now be undertaken under permitted development.

As of 1st September, in certain circumstances, permitted development allows for upward extensions to houses with the addition of a new storey.  The change falls under Prior Approval, which requires approval from the local authority before work can commence on site.

One of the key considerations for securing approval is for the proposal to be in keeping with its surrounding area.  The design would have to be sensitively considered if the surrounding houses were exclusively two storeys or less.  Aside from the planning issues, it is worth considering the structural impact that an additional storey may add to the house.

Please note that to be eligible for an upward extension under permitted development, your house must have been built between 1st July 1948 and 28th October 2018.  If it is a detached property, you can add up to two additional storeys to a maximum height of 18 meters.  For semi-detached, terrace and single storey houses this is limited to one additional storey, to a maximum height of 3.5 meters.  If your property is in a conservation area, Prior Approval will not apply, and you will require full planning permission for an additional storey.  Moreover, the recent changes do not include two storey side extensions; these still require planning permission and do not fall under permitted development.

If you would like more information with regard to the new legislation, please contact us.

MJH Architects has secured planning permission for a first floor and ground floor side return extension in the Reading Road area of Henley-on-Thames.

The proposal will provide the owners with much needed space for a growing family.

The ground floor bathroom has been relocated to a new first floor extension, which has allowed the ground floor to be opened out to the rear garden.  This will result in a significant improvement in the relationship between the inside and outside space of the property.

The side return and conversion of an external store will create an open plan family space, with a larger kitchen and dining area.  Work on site is due to start in early 2021.

Here at MJH we have had a few enquiries about the government's recent New Green Homes Grant initiative.  The scheme was launched on the 30th September and allows homeowners in England to apply for a grant of £5,000 to make their homes more energy efficient.

The improvements could include new insulation, replacement glazing or the installation of low-carbon heating systems (not replacement boilers).

To be eligible for the grant, work must be completed by 31st March 2021.  This does not leave much time, when you factor in getting quotes and installers booked.  Our advice is to move quickly, as there is likely to be a high demand.

MJH Architects are excited to announce that we will be joining the permanent exhibitors at the National Self Build and Renovation Centre (NSBRC) in Swindon. If you are thinking of a self build or renovation project, the NSBRC, is a great place to visit to help inspire and inform. The visitor centre showcases the latest building trends and provides a range of shows,   workshops and educational content. We look to meeting visitors and assisting with advice and solutions.

MJH Architects have secured planning permission for a two storey side extension and wrap around single storey rear extension. The original house dates from the 1960's and is located in the Hampshire village of Holybourne. The house had been extended piecemeal over the years but lacked an overall design strategy. The design brief from the owners was to remodel the existing layout and extend the house to create extra space for a young family. The proposal focuses on improving the quality of natural light and the organisation of the existing spaces, so they compliment the larger open plan elements of the new extension. Work is due to start on site in early 2020.

MJH Architects have secured planning approval for a two-storey side extension in Goring-on-Thames. The original detached property dates from the 1960's and is relatively unchanged from its original form. The new owner's instructed MJH to review the internal layout and to provide an additional bedroom. The proposal, which has now been approved under a planning application, will help to improve the owner's lifestyle and enjoyment of the property. Externally, the new addition will be rendered in an off white to provide a sympathetic visual contrast to the existing house. Works on site are due to start early next year.

MJH Architects have secured planning approval for a rear and infill extension at Langham Road. The semi-detached property dating from the early 20th century has a typical layout from that era, with a L-shaped ground floor plan and the main bathroom at the rear. The layout was not conducive to lifestyle of the owner's young family. MJH have reinvented the layouts on each floor to provide an upstairs bathroom, an extra bedroom in the loft and opened up the ground floor plan to create an open plan kitchen and dining area that utilise the views of the garden. Construction work is due to start on site early next year.