Residential Extensions: Design Guidelines

Supplementary Planning Guidance


Draft Residential Extensions SPD From 19 February 2010 to 1 April 2010 Waverley will be consulting on a new Residential Extensions Supplementary Planning Document (SPD), that will eventually replace the document discussed below. Once the consultation begins, the SPD will be afforded a similar amount of weight to the original document (below). It is therefore advised that you download and consider both documents when drawing up plans for new residential extensions and alterations. Further details, including a copy of the document can be downloaded from the following webpage.

Extending your home?

If you are thinking of extending your home, this guide should help you to plan your extension. It identifies the key points to consider in order to achieve a design which will complement your house in terms of style, scale and materials. The advice in this leaflet refers to situations where the principle of extensions is acceptable.

The guidelines are relevant whether or not you need planning permission. It is not possible to cover every situation in detail, and each application is treated on its merits, but if followed, this guide will help you to achieve a pleasing extension, which will complement your property. Estate agents advise that unsuccessful extensions may reduce the value of your home.

This guide is based on design related policies contained in the Waverley Borough Local Plan 2002. It also takes into account the principles of the Surrey Design Guide 2002. It explains the issues which planning officers and Councillors will take into account when considering whether your application should be approved or refused and is a working document to be used by architects, developers, private individuals in preparing schemes and planning officers in giving design advice.

Identifying the key design issues early on in the process could save you time and money by avoiding the need to have your plans redrawn.

Good design

Good design does not always mean greater cost. Employing an architect and using better quality materials may cost more initially, but in the long term a well designed and constructed extension will usually cost less to maintain and possibly increase the value of your house. Whilst the Council cannot recommend an architect to you, we do have lists of companies and individuals issued by the Royal Institute of British Architects. Waverley also runs a biennial Design Awards Scheme, which rewards good design for all kinds of new buildings including domestic extensions. Why not look around your area to get some idea of what kinds of extension design have been successful for other people?

Page Updated: 06/04/2010 09:52