The Ultimate Solihull Homeowner's Guide to the Prior Approval Larger Home Extension Scheme
Introduction: Extending Your Solihull Home Made Simple
Are you a homeowner in Solihull dreaming of a more spacious living environment? Whether you need an additional bedroom for a growing family, a larger kitchen for hosting gatherings, or an expansive home office for your remote work needs, the Prior Approval Larger Home Extension Scheme is your solution. This program offers a simple and efficient way to expand your property, allowing you to transform your home without the stress and delays of a traditional Householder planning application. Don't miss this opportunity to enhance your living, transform your space, and boost your property's value!
This comprehensive guide, created by the architectural experts at McTernan Design, provides all the essential information for homeowners in Solihull. With decades of experience assisting families throughout Solihull, Birmingham, and the wider West Midlands in transforming their homes, we will provide the necessary information and guide you through the entire process—from the initial concept to successful completion, ensuring a smooth and successful project.
The Prior Approval scheme offers an exceptional opportunity for Solihull homeowners to enhance their living space with a more considerable single-storey rear extension, far surpassing the limitations of standard permitted development rights. You can extend your detached home by an impressive 8 meters or your semi-detached or terraced property by up to 6 meters. This unlocks a wealth of design possibilities and streamlines the process, making it easier to achieve your dream home without the hassle of a Solihull Householder planning application and meet Solihull Council extension guidelines. Seize this chance to transform your living environment and bring your dream home to life!
Understanding Solihull planning policy extensions is essential for a successful project. Local considerations and regulations will influence your extension project, whether in Shirley, Dorridge, Olton, Knowle, Dickens Heath, Balsall Common, Meriden village, or Solihull Lodge. This guide provides tailored advice for navigating Solihull Council extension guidelines while maximising your home's potential.
Now that you understand the benefits of the Prior Approval Larger Home Extension Scheme, it's time to take the next step. I'd like to explore how you can take advantage of this opportunity to create the additional space your family needs while ensuring a smooth approval process with Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council. Contact us today to start your journey to a more spacious and comfortable home.
The larger Home Extension provides an open-plan cooking, dining and living arrangement with views of the garden.
Understanding the Prior Approval Application Solihull: What Solihull Homeowners Need to Know
The Prior Approval Larger Home Extension Scheme is a game-changer for homeowners in Solihull, offering a golden opportunity to easily expand their properties. By understanding its origins and legal framework, you can fully grasp its immense benefits to the planning landscape, instilling a sense of optimism and hope in your property expansion plans.
Understanding the connection between standard permitted development rights and the Prior Approval scheme is crucial for effectively navigating the planning process.
Homeowners can enhance their properties through extensions under standard Solihull-permitted development rights, allowing them to make improvements without formal approval. Here are some ways they can do this:
Construct an extension with a maximum depth of 4 metres from the original rear wall for detached houses.
Construct an extension with a depth of up to 3 metres from the original rear wall for semi-detached and terraced properties.
The Solihull Prior Approval scheme confidently doubles these allowances, enabling the following:
Construct an extension with a maximum depth of 8 metres from the original rear wall for detached houses.
Construct an extension with a maximum depth of up to 6 metres from the original rear wall for semi-detached and terraced properties.
This doubling of allowable projection creates exciting possibilities for transformative extensions that dramatically improve your living space.
Unlike standard permitted development, the Prior Approval process is straightforward. It requires notification to Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council and a Neighbour consultation process, but these steps are manageable and should not deter you from exploring this beneficial scheme.
The difference between prior approval and full planning permission lies in their scope and approach. Planning applications require a thorough assessment of various planning policies and considerations. At the same time, prior approval for larger home extensions focuses mainly on one criterion: the impact on the amenity of neighbouring properties. This means that your extension should not significantly affect your neighbours' privacy, natural light, or views. This approach enables quicker decision-making (42 days, compared to the 8 weeks usually needed for traditional planning applications) and lower costs (£120 instead of £206 for a householder planning application).
Is Your Solihull Property Eligible? Single-storey extension design ideas Solihull
Before you get too excited about your extension plans, it's essential to determine if your property qualifies for the Solihull Larger Home Extension scheme. This scheme, designed to enhance your living space, could be the perfect opportunity. We have developed a detailed eligibility assessment to help homeowners in Solihull understand whether their property can take advantage of these expanded development rights.
Property Type Requirements:
The scheme applies only to dwelling houses, specifically excluding flats, maisonettes, and buildings with multiple dwellings.
The property must be used as a single-family residence.
Location Considerations:
Properties in conservation areas, such as Solihull's historic Malvern Park and Olton, are excluded because they are designated as 'Article 2(3) land', which means they are protected from certain types of development to preserve their historical and architectural significance. Houses located in Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs), National Parks, World Heritage Sites, the Broads, or Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs), are not eligible for this scheme. Properties classified as Listed Buildings cannot be considered due to their protected status.
Property History and "Original House" Concept:
The idea of the "original house" is crucial for determining eligibility and assessing extension limits.
The "original house" refers to the building as it existed on July 1, 1948, if constructed before that date, or as it was initially built if constructed after that date.
This historical baseline is essential because permitted development allowances refer to the original structure, not the house, as it may exist today due to prior alterations or extensions. Understanding this concept will give you a clear idea of your extension possibilities. Therefore, if the previous owners have already extended the property, this may reduce or eliminate the permitted development allowance for further extensions.
Solihull Planning Application History Limitations:
Houses created through the specific change of use permitted development rights, such as conversions from agricultural buildings, storage, light industrial, shops, or casinos, cannot benefit from the larger home extension scheme.
Houses converted from offices under Class O of the GPDO can benefit from these rights, making this a critical exception to the general principle.
Solihull planning policy extensions - Local Restrictions in Solihull:
Permitted development rights, including those for larger home extensions, may have been removed or modified for specific properties through methods like Article 4 Directions or conditions attached to prior planning permissions.
Article 4 Directions enable Solihull Council to revoke certain permitted development rights in a specified area where unrestricted development would jeopardise the area's character.
Estates such as Dickens Heath and Monkspath may have specific covenants that affect development rights.
When granting planning permission for new developments, Solihull Council may impose conditions that restrict future permitted development rights to maintain control over the appearance and scale of buildings in sensitive locations.
Solihull Council Planning Department Additional Criteria:
Homeowners must ensure their proposed extension meets all standard permitted development criteria, not just the extension's length.
These include limits on the maximum area of land that buildings can occupy (no more than 50% of the property), height restrictions, and materials and positioning guidelines.
Not meeting these criteria will require a Householder planning application, regardless of the extension's length.
As your trusted partner in architecture and planning, McTernan Design can swiftly assess your property's eligibility thanks to our in-depth knowledge of Solihull's specific planning frameworks and restrictions. After our initial consultation, we can verify your property's planning status, review historical records, and identify potential limits. This process saves you valuable time and helps prevent costly mistakes.
The Prior Approval Timeline in Solihull
Understanding the Solihull planning application's Prior Approval process timeline helps ensure your project proceeds smoothly without unexpected delays.
Preparation Phase (2-3 weeks):
Initial development of design concepts
Property Measurements and Surveys
Prepare application drawings and relevant documentation.
Solihull Prior Approval Application Submission:
Submission to the Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council
Payment of the £120 application fee.
Neighbour Consultation Process (21 days minimum):
The council notifies neighbouring properties.
Residents have a 21-day period to submit any objections.
Solihull Council Prior Approval Assessment (up to 42 days total from submission):
If no objections are received, the development can move forward.
If any objections are raised, the council evaluates how they might affect the amenity of neighbouring properties.
A decision must be issued within 42 days of submission.
Post-Approval Phase:
If approved, development must begin within three years.
Approval of Building Regulations is required before commencing construction.
The construction period usually lasts between 3 to 6 months, depending on the scale of the project.
This efficient timeline allows Solihull homeowners to move from application to approval in 42 days—much quicker than the typical 8-12 weeks for Householder planning applications.
Designing Your Solihull Extension: Making the Most of the Scheme
Solihull 4-metre extension Design Constraints
Before you consider design options, it's essential to understand the specific size parameters and design constraints that apply to larger home extensions under the Prior Approval scheme. This understanding will help you make informed decisions about your home extension.
Size Limitations:
Single-storey rear extensions can extend between 4 and 8 meters from the rear wall of detached houses.
Single-storey rear extensions can extend between 3 and 6 meters for semi-detached and terraced properties.
Measurements should be taken from the rear wall of the original house, as defined previously, and not from any existing extensions.
Height Restrictions:
Any larger home extension must not exceed a total height of 4 meters, measured from the natural ground level adjacent to the extension in Solihull.
This limit applies regardless of the existing house's height or roof design.
When an extension is located within 2 meters of a property boundary, the height of its eaves (the point where the wall meets the roof) must not exceed 3 meters.
Solihull Permitted Development Material Requirements:
The materials used for any exterior work must closely match the appearance of those used in the construction of the existing house.
This does not necessarily require identical materials but encourages a sympathetic approach to material selection.
The requirement ensures that the extension visually matches the original building, maintaining a consistent appearance.
Prohibited Design Elements:
A larger home extension may include no verandas, balconies, or elevated platforms.
These features often increase the likelihood of overlooking essential details and intruding on privacy.
Roof terraces are typically not considered permitted development.
Positioning Limitations:
The enlarged part of the house must not extend must not extend beyond any side elevation facing a highway.
This restriction maintains the street scene and prevents extensions from disrupting established building lines.
The extension should remain secondary to the original dwelling.
Total Coverage Restrictions:
Buildings, including the enlarged house and any outbuildings, must not cover more than 50% of the land surrounding the original house.
This guarantees that a suitable amount of garden space is preserved.
Maximising Space While Minimising Objections
When it comes to achieving a successful Prior Approval application, McTernan Design's expertise is unmatched. We specialise in crafting targeted design strategies for Solihull homes that fully optimise living space while minimising any impact on neighbouring properties, striking the perfect balance between these two essential objectives.
Thoughtful Massing and Form:
Step-down designs that reduce height toward boundaries
Pitched roof elements that reduce the visual impact compared to flat roofs
Carefully considered roof lanterns positioned away from boundaries
Setbacks at upper levels to reduce the perceived mass of the extension
Strategic Window Placement:
Position windows to prevent direct views into neighbouring gardens.
Consider using skylights instead of vertical windows when privacy is a concern.
When appropriate, include obscure glazing for side views.
When designing your extension, it is vital to consider the positioning of your neighbours' windows.
Boundary Treatments:
It is essential to integrate with the existing landscape features, such as mature hedges, which are common in gardens throughout Solihull.
Incorporating planting designs that reduce the visual impact.
Setting the extension away from boundaries wherever there is enough space.
Incorporating existing boundary treatments as a strategy for mitigating impacts.
Material Selection:
Selecting materials that enhance your existing home in Solihull.
Incorporating brick detailing that is characteristic of the local area.
Choose materials that help the extension blend seamlessly into the surroundings where appropriate.
Our state-of-the-art 3D visualisation of house floor plans is a powerful tool for Solihull homeowners. It helps you understand how innovative design approaches will be reflected in your new, larger home extension, empowering you to make confident, informed decisions. These practical visual tools also allow you to communicate your proposals to neighbours, often diffusing potential objections before they arise. The immersive experience of our virtual reality walkthroughs and YouTube videos gives neighbours a clear view of how the extension will look from their properties, alleviating concerns and preventing formal objections from developing.
Popular Extension Designs for Solihull Homes
With our extensive experience in Solihull, we have honed our expertise in identifying a range of extension designs that enhance local architectural styles and unlock the benefits of the Prior Approval scheme. Our tailored approach ensures that your extension seamlessly blends with the neighbourhood, maximising value and functionality.
1. The Garden Room Extension, a popular choice for Solihull's leafy suburbs, including Dorridge and Knowle, features:
Large, glazed areas that open up to the garden.
Incorporating vaulted or lantern roofs can significantly enhance a space by maximising the introduction of natural light.
The ideal indoor-outdoor flow of the Garden Room Extension is perfect for the established gardens of Solihull, with their mature trees and well-tended flower beds. This design allows you to enjoy your garden all year round, bringing the beauty of nature into your home. Typical dimensions for a transformative yet approvable space are 6 meters by 4 meters.
2. The Family Kitchen Extension is extremely popular in family-oriented areas such as Shirley and Olton:
Open-plan kitchen, dining area, and living space.
Island units with breakfast bars for casual dining
Bifold or sliding doors to connect with outdoor spaces
Typical dimensions: 5m x 8m, creating substantial living space
3. The Side-Return Extension Perfect for Solihull's Victorian and Edwardian terraces in areas like Olton:
Utilises the often-unused side passage
Creates more expansive, more practical kitchen spaces
Incorporates roof glazing to maintain light in existing rooms
Typical dimensions: 1.5m wide x 6m deep, transforming narrow kitchens
4. The Wraparound Extension Ideal for corner properties throughout Solihull:
L-shaped design extending across the rear and side
Creates substantial open-plan living areas
Often incorporates multiple skylights or lanterns
Typical dimensions: 6m x 8m, creating dramatic family spaces
Our architectural team excels in customising each design to fit your property and requirements, balancing aesthetic appeal with practical needs and planning restrictions. This adaptability ensures that your extension will perfectly fit your home.
The Prior Approval Application Process: Step-by-Step Guide for Solihull Homeowners
Preparing Your Solihull Larger Home Extension Application
A successful Prior Approval application starts with careful preparation. Here's our expert guide to ensuring success from the beginning, based on legal requirements and our practical experience with Solihull Council planning policy:
1. Professional Measurements and Surveys Accurate dimensions are crucial for Prior Approval applications. At McTernan Design, we conduct detailed surveys of your property to ensure precise measurements of:
The original rear wall position (as defined in planning law)
Existing extensions or alterations
Property Boundaries
Current ground levels
Relationship to neighbouring properties
2. Essential Application Documentation Your Prior Approval application for Solihull Council must include the specific documentation required by legislation.
A comprehensive written description of the proposed extension is a key component of your Prior Approval application and includes all relevant details and specifications. Precise measurements: projection beyond the rear wall, height to eaves, maximum height, etc.
A site plan that clearly illustrates the location of the proposed extension of the existing house and property boundaries.
A scaled plan is crucial to your application, as it helps the authority evaluate your development proposal. This plan should clearly show the existing property's proposed extension and surroundings and a detailed list of addresses for neighbouring properties that share a boundary with the application site.
Please provide complete contact information for the applicant, including their postal and email addresses.
The current application fee is £120.
Applications can be submitted online through the Planning Portal or downloadable forms directly to Solihull Council. The online route typically offers advantages for tracking application progress and receiving updates.
3. Supporting Materials While not legally required, including additional materials greatly enhances approval chances:
McTernan Design's 3D visualisations showing the relationship with neighbouring properties
Shadow diagrams illustrate the minimal overshadowing impact at various times of the day and throughout the year.
Photographs of the site that illustrate the context of the proposed development.
Cross-sections that illustrate the height differences between adjacent properties.
Design Justification: Consideration of Neighbour Amenity—This document outlines how the design considers neighbour amenities.
Detailed planning history research results
Before starting any development work, ensure you have obtained permission. Note that retrospective applications for prior approval are not allowed under the legislation.
Application Validation Checklist:
All measurements are accurate and consistent throughout all documentation.
All neighbouring property addresses have been accurately identified.
The site plan is to scale and easily readable.
The fee payment has been successfully arranged.
All documentation, whether in digital or physical format, is appropriately prepared.
The material specifications are clearly outlined.
All previous extensions are indicated on the existing plans.
At McTernan Design, we create thorough application packages that exceed minimum requirements. We present your proposal in the best possible way to Solihull Council and neighbouring properties. Our careful attention to detail during this preparation phase often helps avoid validation delays and increases the chances of a positive outcome. By providing planning officers with all the necessary information, we enable them to make informed assessments.
Navigating the Neighbour Consultation Process
The neighbour consultation procedure is a key component of the Prior Approval Larger Home Extension Scheme. It sets this scheme apart from standard permitted development and offers essential protections for those who may be most affected by larger extensions. Here's a straightforward guide to help you successfully navigate this critical phase.
1. Pre-application Neighbour Engagement We strongly recommend engaging with your neighbours before submitting your application.
Informally discussing your plans with adjoining neighbours
Presenting them with initial drawings or 3D visualisations.
Proactively addressing concerns through design modifications.
An explanation of how the proposal reduces the impact on their property.
Documenting these conversations for reference if needed later
This proactive approach typically prevents formal objections during the official consultation period and fosters goodwill with those most affected by your project.
2. The Formal Consultation Procedure Once you submit your application, a formal legal process begins.
Solihull Council will issue formal notices to the owners and occupants of all neighbouring properties.
Adjoining premises are properties that share a boundary with the application site, including those at the rear.
These notices provide crucial details about the proposed development, including dimensions and key measurements.
The notice contains essential procedural details: the application receipt date, the expiration date of the 42-day determination period, and the objection deadline.
A copy of this notice is also sent to the applicant to ensure transparency.
3. The Consultation Timeframe: The consultation process is governed by specific timeframes in planning legislation.
The consultation period must be at least 21 days long.
Public holidays are not included in the count when determining this period.
This provision ensures that consultation periods during major holidays, such as Christmas or Easter, do not unfairly disadvantage neighbours.
4. Understanding Valid Objection Grounds Adjacent property owners or occupants may voice objections, but only specific reasons will be considered relevant.
Objections should focus on how the proposed extension will affect the enjoyment of their property.
The term "amenity" encompasses overshadowing, loss of light, sense of enclosure, and overbearing impact.
Concerns about property values, construction noise, party wall disputes, or private views are typically not considered during planning reviews.
Only objections from neighbouring properties require a prior approval assessment.
5. Responding to Neighbour Concerns If objections arise:
Stay positive and focused on finding solutions.
Consider whether practical design modifications could resolve the concerns.
Provide extra information that could help ease any concerns.
Invite neighbours to meet in person to discuss any concerns.
Consider using 3D visualisations to demonstrate real impacts effectively.
In some situations, consider using mediation to find acceptable compromises.
Solihull Council must consider the amenity of all neighbouring properties, not just those that have raised objections.
6. The Impact of Objections on the Process Understanding the impact of objections on the process is essential.
If any neighbouring property owner raises a valid objection during the consultation period, prior approval from Solihull Council will be required.
The development can proceed without further assessment, as there are no objections.
When considering objections, the Council must assess whether the impact on all adjacent properties is acceptable.
This assessment must be completed within 42 days from the start of the determination period.
Our experience demonstrates that proactive engagement with neighbours, clear communication, and a willingness to make reasonable adjustments greatly enhance approval rates for Prior Approval applications in Solihull. Our architectural approach minimises any impact on neighbouring properties while maximising your living space. This ensures a balanced solution that satisfies both homeowners and their neighbours.
Solihull Council's Larger Home Extension Assessment Process
When objections are received from neighbouring properties, the Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council's assessment process is critical in determining whether your larger home extension can proceed. This evaluation follows specific guidelines that focus on how the extension will affect the amenity of adjacent properties.
1. Assessment Scope and Focus Prior approval applications are assessed as being more focused than household planning applications, which consider broader policy issues.
The focus is specifically on the extension's effect on the amenity of neighbouring properties.
The assessment does not consider broader planning policies or design considerations.
This focused approach allows for a more streamlined evaluation that addresses the impact on neighbours.
The process does not address broader issues related to permitted development rights.
2. Assessment Criteria In this focused context, the council will examine specific factors that affect amenity impact.
Impact on neighbouring properties due to overshadowing or reduced daylight/sunlight.
The possibility of feeling excessively confined.
The scale and massing of the extension compared to nearby buildings and gardens.
The site's specific context includes the existing boundary treatments and ground-level variations..
The orientation of properties and the relationship between buildings
Specific sensitivities within the local environment.
3. Site Visits and Further Information To assist with their evaluation, Solihull Council may:
Conduct site visits to gain a comprehensive understanding of the site context.
Request additional information beyond that initially submitted
Request more detailed plans and sections illustrating the relationship with neighbouring properties.
Request shadow diagrams illustrating potential overshadowing effects
Examine the planning history of both properties.
Assess whether concerns deemed reasonable can be resolved by imposing certain conditions.
4. Decision Timeframes and Outcomes Solihull Council must complete their assessment within a statutory timeframe of 42 days (six weeks) from the date the application is received. This relatively short determination period contrasts favourably with the eight weeks typically allocated for householder planning applications.
The assessment concludes with one of three possible outcomes:
Prior approval has been granted unconditionally or with specific conditions attached.
Prior approval has been denied, with specific reasons provided.
If no decision is issued within 42 days, development may proceed under "deemed approval."
5. Conditional Approvals When granting prior approval, Solihull Council can impose conditions reasonably related to the impact on neighbouring properties.
Requirements for specific window treatments, such as obscure glazing.
Minimum Height Requirements for Boundary Treatments.
Requirements for specific materials or finishes.
Implementation requirements are to ensure that the approved details are used to conduct the development.
6. Deemed Approval Mechanism If Solihull Council does not inform you of their decision within 42 days:
The development can continue without needing any additional approval.
This "deemed approval" mechanism encourages the Council to process applications efficiently.
It offers clear information about the maximum timeframes.
Recent case law has clarified that time limits may be extended by mutual agreement between the applicant and the Council.
At McTernan Design, we apply our broad experience with Solihull's planning procedures to foresee and effectively tackle concerns, significantly improving your likelihood of achieving a successful outcome. Our solid connections with Solihull's planning officers and our thorough knowledge of their amenity assessment standards allow us to create extensions that satisfy your requirements and meet the Council's expectations.
Building Regulations and Other Legal Considerations
Solihull Larger Home Extension - From Prior Approval to Construction: Next Steps
Obtaining prior approval is just one step toward your completed extension. Homeowners in Solihull must navigate several other regulatory frameworks and legal considerations before and during construction.
1. Building Regulations Approval for Building Regulations is mandatory, irrespective of the planning method used, to ensure compliance with essential construction standards.
Ensuring the structural integrity of the extension is sound and stable.
Fire safety measures, including appropriate means of escape.
Energy efficiency requirements that comply with current standards.
Ventilation systems suitable for the new spaces.
Drainage Connections and Management.
Electrical Safety and Compliance with Current Regulations.
Damp Proofing and Weatherproofing Measures.
Thermal insulation that meets or exceeds the minimum standards.
Building Regulations applications can be submitted to Solihull Council's building control department or to approved private sector inspectors, known as Approved Inspectors. The application must include detailed drawings that outline the construction methods, materials, insulation provisions, and structural calculations. Inspections are conducted at key stages during construction to ensure compliance with the regulations.
While Building Regulations approval operates independently of planning processes, the two systems are interconnected in practice — construction cannot legally commence until the necessary planning approvals (including prior approvals when required) and Building Regulations consent are secured.
2. Party Wall Act Considerations: The Party Wall Act 1996 is a crucial legal consideration when constructing larger home extensions, mainly because they significantly project from the rear of properties.
Formal notice must be given to affected neighbours, usually 1-2 months before the commencement of work.
This applies to work that affects shared walls between properties or is done close to neighbouring buildings.
The Party Wall Act functions independently of the planning system.
After receiving the notice, neighbours can either agree to or express their disagreement with the proposed work.
If neighbours disagree, a dispute resolution process is initiated involving the appointment of party wall surveyors.
Surveyors create a "Party Wall Award" document that outlines the work process.
The award may include requirements for protective measures, restrictions on working hours, and provisions for compensation in case of damage.
The costs for this process are usually the building owner's responsibility for proposing the work.
In Solihull, especially in areas like Shirley and Olton, Party Wall Agreements are often necessary for semi-detached and terraced homes. Professional Party Wall Surveyors with relevant experience in Solihull can help facilitate these agreements.
3. Property Ownership and Boundary Considerations Before moving forward with an extension, homeowners in Solihull should:
Check the property boundaries using the documents from the Land Registry.
If needed, hire a boundary surveyor to determine the exact locations of property lines.
Check for any easements that may restrict development rights.
Review property deeds for restrictive covenants that function independently of planning regulations.
4. Finding Reliable Contractors in Solihull Choosing the right builder is essential for a successful extension project.
Seek contractors who have specific experience working with properties in Solihull.
Make sure to check references and visit previous projects in the local area.
Make sure they are familiar with local building methods and materials.
Before starting any work, verify insurance coverage and warranty details.
Please ensure compliance with Construction Design and Management (CDM) regulations.
Please request detailed written quotations instead of verbal estimates.
Create a clear payment schedule that is linked to specific completion milestones.
Our network of trusted contractors in Solihull enables us to recommend builders with proven records for Prior Approval extensions.
5. Insurance Considerations Before starting construction:
Please inform your home insurance provider about the upcoming works.
Consider obtaining specialist extension insurance during the construction phase.
Make sure that your contractor has the necessary liability insurance.
Review the warranty terms for the completed work.
Please ensure that all professionals involved are covered by Professional Indemnity insurance.
6. Utility Connections and Services Value and Cost Considerations.
Extension Value Added Solihull Property
Understanding your extension's potential return on investment is crucial to the planning process. Property market analysis indicates that well-designed extensions in Solihull can significantly increase value:
Value Added by Extension Type:
Kitchen extensions: typically add 5-10% to property values in Solihull, with higher returns in premium areas such as Dorridge and Knowle.
Open-plan kitchen/dining/family spaces: can increase property value by 10-15%, especially in family-oriented areas.
Adding a bedroom with an en-suite bathroom can increase property value by 10-20%, particularly beneficial in areas with good school catchment zones.
Home office extensions have become increasingly valuable in the post-pandemic era, contributing an increase of 5-10% to property values across Solihull.
Garden rooms/orangeries: can increase property values by 7-12%, especially in larger homes with spacious gardens.
Value Variation by Solihull Location:
Dorridge and Knowle: Higher returns on extension investments, with quality finishes yielding premium profits.
Shirley and Olton: strong returns, especially for family-oriented extensions that provide additional living space.
Dickens Heath: Impressive results for contemporary extension designs that enhance modern properties.
Solihull Town Centre: Increased value for extensions, adding bedrooms or living spaces.
Meriden and Rural Areas: Extensions that thoughtfully enhance period properties yield the best returns.
Solihull Extension Cost Comparison
When planning your extension project budget, grasping the various costs helps with financial management.
Construction Costs (2025 estimates):
Basic single-storey extension: £2,000-£2,500 per square meter
Mid-range single-storey extension: £2,500-£3,000 per square meter
Premium single-storey extension: £3,000-£3,500+ per square meter
Garden room/orangery: £2,800-£3,500 per square meter
Kitchen extension including fitted kitchen: Additional £15,000-£35,000 depending on specification
Project Costs Beyond Construction:
Architectural design fees: 4-10% of construction costs
Structural engineer fees: £800-£1,500 depending on complexity
Prior approval application Solihull cost: £120
Building regulations approval Solihull extensions: £750-£1,200
Party wall surveyor (if required): £800-£1,500 per neighbour
Project management (if not included in architect services): 10-15% of project value
Contingency budget: Recommended 10-15% of overall budget
Extension Cost Calculator Solihull Although each project is unique, you can estimate your extension budget using this formula:
Calculate the floor area of the proposed extension in square meters.
Multiply by the relevant cost rate according to your desired quality level.
Add professional fees ranging from 5% to 15% for design and engineering services.
Include the statutory application costs: £120 for Prior Approval and between £750 and £1,200 for Building Regulations.
Include specific costs for the kitchen and bathroom, if applicable.
Include a contingency of 10-15%.
For example, a mid-range 30 square meter kitchen extension would typically cost:
Construction: 30m² × £2,750 = £82,500
Professional fees: £8,250-£12,375
Applications: £870-£1,320
Kitchen: £20,000 (mid-range)
Contingency: £11,162-£12,389
Total budget range: £122,782-£136,284
Extension or Loft Conversion Solihull: Which Adds More Value?
Homeowners often find themselves at a crossroads: should they expand their living space by building outward or maximise their existing attic by converting it into a usable area? This decision can significantly enhance both the functionality and value of their home.
Loft Conversion Advantages:
A standard conversion typically costs between £40,000 and £60,000.
It does not decrease the available space in the garden.
Typically falls within permitted development and does not require prior approval.
It adds valuable bedroom space, often increasing the property's value by 15% to 20%.
Construction is generally less disruptive.
Extension Advantages:
This design creates a ground-floor living space that seamlessly integrates with the existing rooms.
There is an opportunity to update outdated layouts and convert them into modern open-plan designs.
Connects more directly with gardens and outdoor spaces.
The design possibilities are more flexible.
Often favoured by families with young children.
The best choice depends on:
Your specific space requirements, such as whether you need a bedroom or a living area.
The current layout and configuration of your property.
Suitability of Roof Structure for Conversion.
Garden size and your outdoor space priorities.
Budget limitations and prioritisation of value.
Practical Design Considerations for Successful Extensions
In addition to obtaining approval, these key design factors will ensure that your extension enhances the visual appeal of your Solihull home and improves its overall functionality and value.
1. Light and Space Optimisation
Take into account the sun's trajectory across your specific plot.
North-facing extensions benefit from the inclusion of roof lights or lanterns.
Extensions facing east or west should consider solar gain and glare.
Strategically placing windows can significantly improve the quality of light inside a space.
2. Thermal Efficiency in the West Midlands Climate
Well-insulated extensions can enhance the overall efficiency of a house.
Consider enhanced insulation beyond minimum standards
Consider the need for cooling in the summer and heating in the winter.
Consider installing underfloor heating in new extension areas.
3. Interior-Exterior Connections
Solihull's leafy character offers excellent garden opportunities.
Consider level thresholds for seamless indoor-outdoor transitions.
Consider exploring options such as covered outdoor areas that can be enjoyed year-round.
Consider planning your landscaping with your extension for a more cohesive design.
4. Future-Proofing Your Investment
Consider the flexibility required to accommodate changing family needs.
Make sure to include storage solutions from the beginning.
When planning, be generous when allocating electrical and data points.
Consider the eco-friendly features that might become standard in the future.
Our architectural approach goes beyond simply securing approval. We design extensions that not only enhance your lifestyle but also significantly increase the value of your home in Solihull, ensuring you get the most out of your investment.
Conclusion: Larger home extension scheme Solihull
The Prior Approval Larger Home Extension Scheme gives homeowners in Solihull a convenient opportunity to significantly increase their living space. Unlike traditional planning applications, this scheme offers a hassle-free process. Homeowners can extend their detached houses by up to 8 meters and other properties by up to 6 meters, allowing for significant transformations.
The success of this scheme relies on balancing three key elements:
Ensure compliance with all relevant regulations and requirements.
Considerate design that improves your property while respecting your neighbours.
Clear communication with the Solihull planning department and neighbouring properties.
McTernan Design is your trusted family-run architectural studio with over four decades of experience guiding homeowners in Solihull through Larger Home Extension projects. Our unique combination of technical expertise, innovative design, and deep-rooted local knowledge ensures an exceptional success rate for Prior Approval applications, giving you the confidence that your project is in capable hands.
We don't just secure approvals; we craft stunning, functional spaces that elevate your lifestyle and significantly enhance the value of your property. Utilising cutting-edge 3D visualisation technology, you can see and experience your new space before construction begins, enabling you to make informed decisions and avoid costly adjustments.
Whether you aspire to create a breathtaking kitchen extension in Dorridge, a bright and airy garden room in Olton, or a remarkable transformation of a bungalow in Shirley, our personalised service guarantees that your project receives the meticulous attention it deserves. From the initial concept to planning approval, building regulations, and construction, our dedicated team provides comprehensive support at every step, ensuring you feel valued and essential throughout the process.
Unlock the true potential of your home in Solihull with the Prior Approval scheme. Contact McTernan Design today for a free initial consultation. Acting as your Principal Designer, we will evaluate your property's possibilities and guide you toward creating the larger, more inspiring home extension you've always envisioned. Don't just dream—let us help you turn those dreams into reality! Call us now to get started.
McTernan Design, a specialised architectural studio, offers expert residential and commercial design services in Solihull, Birmingham, and the West Midlands. With over four decades of experience, we blend traditional craftsmanship with the latest cutting-edge technology to provide customised architectural solutions. This ensures that our services are timeless but also modern and innovative. For more information or to schedule a free consultation, please visit mcternandesign.co.uk or call our Solihull studio at 07955 572811.
