The space modern families actually use

Open-plan living remains one of the biggest upgrades you can make to a Nottinghamshire home in 2025. By opening the back of the house and connecting kitchen, dining and living areas, you get brighter sightlines, better flow and a social hub that just works — for family life, entertaining and hybrid working. The right design also helps future-proof your home and can significantly improve buyer appeal when you come to sell.

What “open-plan” looks like in Nottinghamshire homes

• Rear kitchen-diner extensions – the most popular route: open up the back wall, add glazing to the garden and re-plan the ground floor around a central kitchen island.

• Side-return extensions – ideal for Victorian/Edwardian terraces in areas like West Bridgford, Beeston and Arnold; reclaim the dark side alley to widen the kitchen.

• Wrap-around (L-shape) extensions – combine rear + side for maximum footprint, great for bigger plots in Edwalton, Gamston and Wollaton.

• Broken-plan layouts – keep openness but add smart zoning with pocket doors, internal screens or half-height dividers for acoustics and privacy.

Design moves that make the difference

1. Daylight strategy
   Use roof lanterns or skylights over the island, add tall sliders/bi-folds to the garden, and consider a glazed corner to pull light deep into the plan.

2. Circulation & zones
   Plan natural routes and create zones: cook (island + hob), prep (back run + pantry), dine (banquette or table), relax (sofa facing the garden).

3. A place for everything
   Utility rooms, pantries and tall storage keep the main space clutter-free — essential for a calm open-plan feel.

4. Acoustics
   Soft furnishings, acoustic panels, rugs and ceiling treatments stop big rooms sounding echoey.

5. Lighting layers
   Task (under-cabinet), ambient (ceiling/wash), and feature lighting (pendants over the island) on separate circuits with dimming.

6. Heating & comfort
   Underfloor heating works brilliantly with large spaces; pair with good insulation, airtightness and quality glazing to control energy use and solar gain.

7. Material palette
   Keep it simple and durable: timber, stone/porcelain, and easy-clean finishes that still feel warm.

Structural & technical essentials (so it’s smooth on site)

• Structure: Removing load-bearing walls usually needs steel (RSJs) or engineered timber beams. Get proper structural calculations.

• Ventilation & extraction: Strong kitchen extraction, trickle ventilation and, where appropriate, whole-house MVHR keep air fresh.

• Electrics & smart home: Plan sockets, task lighting, data points and Wi-Fi early; open-plan often needs more outlets than you think.

• Drainage & services: If the new kitchen/en-suite moves far from existing stacks, plan new runs early and check for any build-over agreements with the water company.

Planning, permissions & approvals (the quick version)

• Permitted Development (PD): Many single-storey rear extensions can proceed under PD if they meet national limits.

• Larger home extensions: Some homes can go deeper via a prior-approval process (council neighbour consultation).

• Designated land: Conservation areas (e.g., The Park Estate, Mapperley Park, parts of Edwalton) are more controlled — expect a planning application and heritage-led design.

• Always: Building Regulations approval, and where relevant Party Wall notices and sewer build-over consent.
  Tip: even if you build under PD, apply for a Lawful Development Certificate as proof for future sale/remortgage.

Timelines & budgeting (what actually drives cost)

Rather than fixating on a single “price per m²”, focus on the drivers: size and complexity, glazing choices, kitchen specification, utility/pantry, groundworks, structural spans, and finishes/lighting. A solid design phase, complete drawings/specs, and a realistic contingency will keep the build on time and on budget.

Where open-plan shines in Nottinghamshire

We see great results in West Bridgford, Edwalton, Gamston, Wollaton, Beeston & Chilwell, Mapperley Park, The Park Estate, Arnold & Woodthorpe, Ruddington, Keyworth, Radcliffe-on-Trent, Burton Joyce, Bingham, Southwell, Mansfield, Newark and surrounding villages — each with different plot types and conservation considerations.

Why choose a local design & build team

With design and construction under one roof, decisions happen faster, details don’t get lost, and you get one accountable team from first sketch to handover. That’s how you end up with an open-plan space that looks amazing and lives well day-to-day.

 

Ready to explore an open-plan extension for your home?
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Do I Need Planning Permission for an Extension in Nottinghamshire?

Short answer: Sometimes. Many house extensions in England can be built under Permitted Development (PD) rights without full planning permission—if they meet strict limits on size, height, placement, and design. If your home is in a conservation area or is listed, or you want to go bigger than PD allows, you’ll need formal consent.

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What counts as Permitted Development for extensions?

Under Class A of the GPDO (the national PD rules), extensions can be PD when they meet all conditions, including:

• Footprint: Extensions + outbuildings must not cover more than 50% of the land around the original house (as first built or as it stood on 1 July 1948).

• Fronts & highways: No extension forward of the principal elevation or a side elevation facing a highway.

• Materials: Exterior materials should be similar in appearance to the existing house (conservatories are an exception).

• Near boundaries: Where within 2m of a boundary, eaves height must be ≤ 3m.

• No verandas/balconies under PD.

Single-storey rear extensions (standard PD limits)

• Up to 3m deep on attached/semis/terraces.

• Up to 4m deep on detached houses.

• Max height 4m; overall ridge and eaves must not exceed the existing house.

“Larger home” single-storey rear extensions (Prior Approval)

You can go deeper using Prior Approval (not full planning):

• 4m and up to 8m for detached homes.

• 3m and up to 6m for other houses.
  This triggers a council neighbour consultation and approval window (the “larger home extension” rules are now permanent). Note: this scheme does not apply on designated land such as conservation areas.

Side extensions under PD

• Must be single-storey.

• Height ≤ 4m and width < half the width of the original house.

• Not allowed on designated land (e.g., conservation areas).

Two-storey rear extensions under PD (much tighter)

• Depth ≤ 3m, and the rear wall must be ≥ 7m from the opposite boundary.

• Roof pitch/materials to match existing; obscure-glazed side windows.

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Where PD does not apply or is restricted

• Conservation Areas / “Designated land”: PD is limited (e.g., no side extensions under PD; the “larger home extension” scheme doesn’t apply). Nottingham City has 33 conservation areas, with public mapping available.

• Article 4 Directions: Councils can remove PD rights in specific streets/areas. Nottingham City has several Article 4 directions (notably for HMOs and selected conservation-area streets). Rushcliffe currently states no Article 4 directions borough-wide, but many villages are designated conservation areas, so PD may still be limited by conservation status. Always check.

• Listed buildings: Require Listed Building Consent for most works—PD is not a safe route.

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Nottingham & Nottinghamshire: Local planning context (premium areas)

If you live in one of Nottingham/Nottinghamshire’s most sought-after neighbourhoods, you’re more likely to be in or near a conservation area or close to listed buildings, which tightens what you can do under PD:

• The Park Estate & Castle/Arboretum/Lace Market (City): Extensive conservation coverage; Article 4 may apply on certain streets. Expect design scrutiny and, often, planning permission for visible extensions.

• Mapperley Park & Alexandra Park (City): Conservation Area with character-appraisal guidance; side/extensions facing highways usually need permission; materials/design details matter.

• Wollaton & Edwalton / West Bridgford & Gamston (Rushcliffe): Many streets with high amenity value; Edwalton has a defined conservation area. West Bridgford itself has no Article 4 directive borough-wide, but conservation areas across Rushcliffe still apply special controls—always check the address on the council map.

• Ruddington, Keyworth, Radcliffe-on-Trent, Bingham, Burton Joyce, Southwell: Attractive village/town centres with conservation areas and listed buildings (Southwell in Newark & Sherwood has many); expect tighter design policies near heritage assets.

Tip: Use the council conservation area map before you design—what’s PD on a typical street in, say, Wollaton, may require full planning on a nearby conservation street in The Park or Mapperley Park.

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Other permissions often needed (even when PD applies)

• Building Regulations: Most extensions need Building Control sign-off (structure, insulation, fire, drainage). PD doesn’t remove this requirement.

• Build Over / Near a Public Sewer (Severn Trent): If building over or within ~3m of a public sewer, you’ll need the water company’s consent (and sometimes CCTV surveys). Factor this into programme and cost.

• Party Wall etc. Act 1996: Notify neighbours when works affect shared walls or close foundations (separate from planning; still applies).

• Driveways/Front gardens & highways sightlines: Anything facing the highway is tightly controlled—front/side extensions that project towards the street generally aren’t PD.

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How to be 100% sure (and speed up conveyancing later)

1. Check PD early with the Planning Portal mini-guides and the UK Gov technical guidance.

2. Apply for a Lawful Development Certificate (LDC) if you proceed under PD—this is proof your extension was lawful, invaluable at sale or remortgage.

3. Use Prior Approval for larger rear extensions (6m/8m) where eligible; the council will consult neighbours and decide within a set timeframe.

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Common scenarios in Nottinghamshire (examples)

• Open-plan kitchen-diner in West Bridgford / Edwalton: A single-storey rear extension up to 3–4m may be PD; go 6–8m via Prior Approval if not on designated land. Check sewers (lots of 20th-century estates have shared runs).

• Side extension in Mapperley Park or The Park: Side extensions are not PD on designated land; expect to need planning permission with heritage-led design and materials.

• Two-storey rear in Wollaton: Under PD, depth is ≤ 3m and must be ≥ 7m from the rear boundary—anything larger needs full planning and neighbour amenity assessments.

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Step-by-step: your route to approval

1. Feasibility & survey – establish PD potential, sewers, trees, conservation/listed status.

2. Concept design – align with PD limits or local policy (if planning needed).

3. Pre-app (optional) – useful in conservation areas to de-risk.

4. LDC (if PD) or Householder Planning (if not PD) or Prior Approval (6m/8m).

5. Building Regulations – drawings, structural calcs, inspections.

6. Build Over consent (if near public sewers).

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FAQs

Do conservatories follow different rules?
They’re assessed under the same PD framework (depth/height/placement). Building Regulations may still apply, especially for structural openings and energy performance.

Are flats covered by PD for extensions?
No—PD rights are for houses, not flats/maisonettes.

Will Article 4 affect me in West Bridgford?
Rushcliffe’s FOI states no Article 4 directions borough-wide at present, but conservation area controls still apply and can limit PD—check your street on the council’s conservation pages.

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Where we work

We design and build extensions across West Bridgford, Edwalton, Gamston, The Park Estate, Mapperley Park, Wollaton, Beeston & Chilwell, Ruddington, Keyworth, Radcliffe-on-Trent, Burton Joyce, Bingham, Southwell, Arnold and Woodthorpe. If you’re in or near a conservation area we’ll guide you through the right permission route and heritage design details to get approval first time.

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Ready to extend?

Templewood Construction offers a complete design & build service—from planning strategy and drawings to construction and finishing. If you’re in Nottingham or Nottinghamshire, we’ll help you choose the fastest approval route and produce a beautiful, compliant extension.

Book your free consultation 
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Velux vs Dormer Loft Conversions: Which is Best for Your Nottinghamshire Home?

When it comes to adding space and value to your Nottinghamshire property, a loft conversion is one of the most cost-effective upgrades. But before starting, most homeowners ask: “Should I go for a Velux (rooflight) conversion or a Dormer conversion?”

Both options are popular, but they serve different needs. Here’s a breakdown of each, so you can decide which is best for your home and budget.

🌟 Velux Loft Conversions

A Velux loft conversion (also known as a rooflight conversion) is the simplest and most budget-friendly option.

• Cost: From £40,000 in Nottinghamshire

• What it involves: Installing Velux windows into your existing roofline without altering the structure.

• Best for: Homes with enough headroom already, where you want to add natural light and make the loft usable.

✅ Advantages

• Cheaper and quicker than other conversions

• Minimal disruption — no major roof changes

• Excellent natural light from Velux windows

• Often falls under Permitted Development, so no planning permission needed

⚠️ Limitations

• Limited increase in floor space

• Best for creating offices, playrooms, or guest bedrooms rather than large master suites

🏠 Dormer Loft Conversions

A Dormer conversion involves building out from the roof slope, creating extra headroom and usable floor space.

• Cost: From £50,000 in Nottinghamshire

• What it involves: Extending the roof vertically to add more space and flexibility.

• Best for: Families who want to add a spacious bedroom with an en-suite.

✅ Advantages

• Significantly increases usable space

• Adds better headroom across more of the loft

• Flexible layouts — ideal for bedrooms, bathrooms, or even home offices

• Adds strong resale value (up to 20% increase)

⚠️ Limitations

• More expensive than Velux conversions

• Usually requires more structural work and scaffolding

• Planning permission sometimes needed, depending on size and position

🔍 Which One Should You Choose?

• Choose a Velux conversion if:

  • You’re on a tighter budget

  • You have good existing headroom

  • You want a quick and simple upgrade

• Choose a Dormer conversion if:

  • You need a full extra bedroom or master suite

  • Your current loft lacks headroom

  • You’re looking to maximise property value

📈 Long-Term Value

In Nottinghamshire, Dormer conversions often deliver the best return on investment, but Velux conversions are unbeatable for affordability and speed.

At Templewood Construction, we specialise in both options and can advise on what works best for your home and budget.

📞 Ready to Explore Your Loft Conversion?

Whether you’re considering a Velux or Dormer loft conversion, our team at Templewood Construction can help you plan, design, and deliver your dream space.

👉 Call us on 0115 795 0208 or book a free consultation.
📍 We work across Nottingham, West Bridgford, Beeston, Arnold, Mansfield, Newark, and surrounding towns.

 

check out our previous Loft conversion Projects!

Why kitchen extensions are value winners

Adding floorspace is one of the most reliable ways to increase a home’s value. National data shows that floor-area-adding projects (like extensions) can add up to 25% to a property’s value when well designed, while extra bedrooms and bathrooms also move the needle for buyers. A generous, light-filled kitchen-diner is frequently at the top of buyers’ wish-lists, so the right kitchen extension can have outsized impact when you come to sell.

Understanding cost vs. value

Typical single-storey extensions in the UK often sit in the ~£2,200–£3,300 per m² band (finish and complexity dependent). Use Rightmove’s Renovation/Extension calculators to sense-check both build costs and area-specific value uplift before you commit—great for Nottinghamshire postcodes where price ceilings vary by street.

Pro tip: some areas have a “ceiling price” where buyers won’t pay beyond local norms, so always balance scope and finishes against typical sold prices nearby.

Kitchen extension types that sell

• Rear kitchen-diner extension – creates that coveted open-plan space and better garden connection.
• Side-return – perfect for Victorian terraces in places like West Bridgford, Beeston or Mapperley; turns dead alley space into usable kitchen square footage.
• Wrap-around – maximises width and depth for a showpiece family kitchen with island, seating and utility.

Extensions generally deliver stronger year-round usability and resale value than conservatories, which are quicker/cheaper but less integrated.

Design choices that boost ROI

1. Light, light, light – roof lanterns or skylights (e.g., Korniche/Velux), wide sliders or bifolds to the garden. Buyers pay for bright, social spaces.
2. Zoned layout – clear cooking, prep, dining and soft-seating zones; add a pantry or utility to declutter.
3. Energy performance – high-performance glazing, airtightness, insulation and efficient heating (UFH + heat-pump/boiler). Long-term running costs matter to buyers.
4. Quality, not bling – durable worktops, good appliances, and timeless cabinetry outlast trends.
5. Future flexibility – space for a homework/office nook, accessible circulation, and good storage.

Permissions & compliance in Nottingham(shire)

Many single-storey rear extensions can proceed under Permitted Development if they meet national limits; always confirm against local guidance and apply for a Lawful Development Certificate for future resale. Building Regulations approval is still required for structure, energy, fire and drainage.

Timeline & budgeting sanity checks

Plan for professional design, approvals, party wall (where relevant), utilities upgrades, and a 10–15% contingency. Build time varies with scope; use your builder’s programme and keep a small buffer for weather, materials or variations.

How we help (local advantage)

As builders in Nottinghamshire, we handle design coordination, approvals, trusted trades and a clean schedule—so you get the bright, social kitchen that buyers want, and your family enjoys now. Book a site visit to explore options for your home.

 

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