Planning Permission and Permitted Development
Many single-storey rear extensions fall under permitted development and do not require planning permission, subject to size limits. Side and double-storey extensions, and those on properties in conservation areas, generally require a full planning application. Your builder should confirm what applies to your specific property before any other decisions are made.
What to Expect During the Build
A building extension involves groundwork and foundations, structural walls and roof, windows and external doors, insulation to current standards, and internal fit-out including electrical, plumbing if required, and plastering. A well-managed project will have a clear programme of works and a lead contractor who coordinates all trades on your behalf.
Swindon is a large town in Wiltshire with a strong railway heritage — it was the site of the Great Western Railway Works, which employed thousands of people for over a century. The STEAM Museum of the Great Western Railway tells this story. Swindon has undergone significant growth and has good motorway and rail links. It is home to several major employers including Honda and is one of the fastest-growing towns in the UK.
Building Regulations and Structural Calculations
All extensions require Building Regulations approval regardless of whether planning permission is needed. Structural calculations by an engineer will be required for any load-bearing work. Your builder should manage the Building Regulations application and arrange inspections at the required stages of construction.