Architects in Barnet for Extensions, Loft Conversions & Planning
From planning applications to structural design — we help Barnet homeowners extend, convert and improve their homes.
Why Barnet Projects Need Careful Planning
Barnet is one of London’s largest boroughs by area, stretching from Hampstead Garden Suburb in the south to the Hertfordshire border. The borough contains significant Green Belt land and over 15 conservation areas including Monken Hadley, Totteridge Village, Mill Hill, Church End Finchley and Hampstead Garden Suburb — each with strict controls on alterations and extensions.
Many properties across Barnet are 1930s semi-detached homes, ideally suited to rear extensions, loft conversions and side returns. However, Article 4 directions in several conservation areas remove permitted development rights, meaning even modest changes may need planning permission from Barnet Council.
We prepare applications that address Barnet Council’s residential design guidance SPD, covering everything from roof form and materials to the impact on neighbouring properties. Our architects handle full planning submissions, lawful development certificates and appeals — working with Barnet’s planning officers to keep your project on track.
What We Design
Rear Extension
Open-plan kitchen-diners, garden rooms and ground-floor living spaces designed around your lifestyle.
Learn More →Loft Conversion
Dormers, hip-to-gables and roof extensions across Barnet — adding bedrooms, offices and bathrooms.
Learn More →House Extension
Side returns, single-storey and multi-room layouts to transform your existing footprint.
Learn More →Wraparound Extension
Rear and side combined for maximum internal space — ideal for open-plan kitchens and family rooms.
Learn More →Double Storey Extension
Two-floor extensions for growing families — maximising space from your available footprint.
Learn More →Planning Applications
Full householder applications, lawful development certificates and appeals — submitted to Barnet Council on your behalf.
Learn More →Building Regulation Drawings
Detailed technical drawings for Building Control sign-off, covering structure, insulation, drainage and fire safety.
Learn More →Structural Design
Beam calculations, steelwork specifications and structural engineering — all handled in-house by our team.
Learn More →
How We Work
Why Homeowners Choose Salstan
Barnet Planning Experience
We understand conservation areas, Article 4 Directions and common Barnet planning considerations.
Structural Design In-House
No need to hire a separate structural engineer — we handle beam calcs and steelwork internally.
Fixed-Fee Pricing
Clear pricing from the start with no hidden costs or hourly surprises.
RIBA-Aligned Workflow
A structured design process that keeps your project on track from brief to completion.
3D Visuals Included
See your project in 3D before construction begins — included in every design package.
One Point of Contact
A dedicated architect manages your project from start to finish.
Areas We Cover in Barnet Borough
Victorian and Edwardian properties sit alongside the Green Belt at the borough's northern edge. Monken Hadley conservation area has strict controls on roof alterations and front elevations, while properties along the High Street and surrounding roads offer strong potential for rear extensions and loft conversions with careful design.
North Finchley, East Finchley and Church End each have distinct character, from 1930s semis to Edwardian terraces. Church End Finchley conservation area requires sensitive design, but the wider Finchley area is well suited to single and double storey rear extensions, garage conversions and hip-to-gable lofts.
A mix of inter-war semis, post-war estates and some larger detached properties in the NW4 area. Hendon offers excellent scope for rear extensions, side returns and loft conversions. Properties near the Welsh Harp reservoir may face additional ecological considerations during planning.
Mill Hill retains a village character with its conservation area centred around The Ridgeway. Larger detached properties and period homes make it popular for substantial extensions and full refurbishments. We design schemes that respect Mill Hill's character while maximising the potential of each site.
Predominantly 1930s semi-detached housing stock in the HA8 area, making Edgware ideal for rear and side extensions, loft conversions and full home renovations. Permitted development rights are generally available here, allowing many projects to proceed without a full planning application.
Totteridge Village is one of Barnet's most prestigious conservation areas, with large detached properties set on generous plots. Planning applications here require careful attention to the rural village character. Whetstone offers more varied housing with good extension potential along the main corridors.
A mix of Victorian terraces near the station and inter-war housing further out. East Barnet village has its own conservation area with design sensitivities around the church and green. Both areas are popular for kitchen-diners, loft bedrooms and wraparound extensions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Many single-storey rear extensions in Barnet fall under permitted development, but this depends on your property type and location. Homes in conservation areas like Monken Hadley, Totteridge Village or Mill Hill may have Article 4 directions removing these rights. We check all constraints before advising on the best route.
A single-storey rear extension in Barnet typically costs between £50,000 and £90,000 for construction, depending on specification and size. Our architectural fees are fixed and transparent — we provide a full quote after an initial consultation so there are no surprises.
We handle the full design and approval process — from initial feasibility and measured survey through to planning drawings, structural calculations and Building Regulations submissions. For Barnet properties, we assess roof type, head height and party wall considerations to recommend the best conversion approach.
In many cases, yes. Barnet has a large stock of 1930s semis that can be extended under permitted development. Typical projects include single-storey rear extensions up to 6 metres, hip-to-gable loft conversions and internal reconfigurations. We confirm your PD rights before starting any design work.
From initial consultation to completion on site, a typical double-storey extension in Barnet takes 10 to 14 months. The design and planning phase usually takes 3 to 4 months, with construction following over 5 to 8 months depending on complexity and builder availability.
A local architect understands Barnet Council's planning policies, conservation area sensitivities and the character of different neighbourhoods from High Barnet to Hendon. We have direct experience with Barnet's planning team and know what they look for in applications, giving your project the best chance of approval.
Ready to Start Your Barnet Project?
Book a free consultation and let us show you what is possible with your home.
Councils We Regularly Submit Applications To
