Architects in Fulham for Extensions, Loft Conversions & Planning

Most side return extensions in Fulham fall under permitted development, provided they meet the size limits set out in the General Permitted Development Order. However, if your property is within one of LBHF’s conservation areas or subject to an Article 4 Direction, you will need full planning permission. We check your property’s planning status before starting any design work.

As a guide, construction costs for a single-storey rear extension sit around £2,000–£3,000 per square metre, plus professional fees for architectural drawings, structural engineering and the planning application. Side return extensions on Fulham terraces tend to be at the lower end of that range due to their compact footprint. We provide a detailed estimate once we have surveyed your property.

Yes, but basement developments in the London Borough of Hammersmith & Fulham are subject to the council’s Basement Development SPD. You will need a construction management plan, a structural methodology statement and potentially a basement impact assessment. Salstan prepares the full documentation package to satisfy LBHF’s requirements.

A side return extension reclaims the narrow passage that runs alongside the kitchen on a typical Victorian terrace. In Fulham, where terraced houses dominate streets from Parsons Green to Munster Village, this is the single most effective way to create a wider, open-plan kitchen-diner without a large rear extension. The additional build cost is modest relative to the usable space gained.

Yes. Our in-house structural engineers produce full calculations for steel beams, foundations and load-bearing alterations as part of your building regulations package. This eliminates the need to hire a separate engineer and keeps your project coordinated under one team.

Typically 6–8 weeks from initial survey to planning submission. LBHF’s statutory decision period is 8 weeks for a householder application, though minor amendments can sometimes extend this. We manage the entire timeline and keep you updated at every stage.

Yes, but the design must respect the character and appearance of the conservation area. LBHF expects sympathetic materials, appropriate scale and minimal impact on the streetscape. Permitted development rights may be restricted, so a full planning application is often required. We have extensive experience securing approvals in Fulham’s conservation areas, including Parsons Green, Fulham Park Gardens and Moore Park.

If your extension involves building on or near a shared boundary wall, or excavating within three to six metres of a neighbouring foundation, the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 applies. This is common on Fulham’s closely built Victorian terraces. We advise on whether a party wall agreement is needed and can refer you to a trusted party wall surveyor who works regularly in the area.

In most cases, yes. Rear box dormers on houses in Fulham generally fall within permitted development rights, provided they do not exceed the volume allowance and meet material and design conditions. Properties in conservation areas or those covered by Article 4 Directions will need a planning application instead. We assess your specific situation and advise on the correct route.

Yes. We regularly assist homeowners whose applications have been refused by LBHF. We review the reasons for refusal, assess whether a revised scheme can address the council’s concerns, and prepare an amended application or advise on the merits of an appeal. Our knowledge of LBHF’s expectations often allows us to resolve issues without the cost and delay of a formal appeal.

Yes. Salstan offers a complete design-to-construction service, meaning we handle architectural drawings, planning applications, structural engineering, building regulations and the build itself. This single-source approach avoids the coordination issues that arise when multiple firms are involved and gives you one point of contact from start to finish.