Extensions · Christchurch
House extensions in Christchurch
An extension in Christchurch needs a survey, drawings, planning or Building Regulations approval, structural calculations and the building work. We do all of it, so you only deal with us.
- ★ 5.0 on Google (15 reviews)
- Checkatrade 10/10 (20 reviews)
- We reply the same working day.
Houses in Christchurch and what they need
Christchurch's town centre, around the Priory and the High Street, is one of the oldest settlements in Dorset. The suburbs of Highcliffe, Mudeford and Somerford have a different mix of period and modern homes. Extending a property in Christchurch means knowing which areas carry heritage constraints and which have straightforward Permitted Development.
Highcliffe and Mudeford
Highcliffe and Mudeford sit along the coast, with 1930s bungalows, post-war detached homes and modern infill. We design layouts that open living space toward the garden and coast, using glazed panels and bi-fold doors. Properties on the cliffside may face extra planning scrutiny because of erosion risk, which we factor into the design from the start.
Christchurch town centre and Priory area
The area around the Priory, Quay and Convent Walk is a conservation area with several listed buildings. An extension here needs to be sensitive to the historic fabric and may need full planning permission even for a modest addition. We design for conservation area properties using materials and roof forms that suit BCP Council's heritage officers.
Somerford and Burton
The estates of Somerford, Purewell and Burton are mostly post-war three-bedroom semis and detached homes on regular plots, where standard Permitted Development rights apply. These properties are well suited to a kitchen-diner extension opening onto the rear garden.
Planning permission for extensions in Christchurch
Christchurch falls under BCP Council, the same unitary authority that covers Bournemouth and Poole. The town has a large conservation area covering the historic centre, plus proximity to the River Avon and Christchurch Harbour, which brings flood risk considerations for some properties.
Conservation areas in Christchurch
The Christchurch conservation area covers the town centre, Priory grounds, Quay and surrounding streets. Within this area, Permitted Development rights for extensions are restricted, meaning you may need full planning permission for work that would normally be PD outside the area. We check every property's conservation status before starting a design, so you know what applies and what it costs before you commit.
Flood risk near Christchurch Harbour
Properties near Christchurch Harbour, the River Avon and the River Stour may fall within Flood Zone 2 or 3. An extension in these areas needs a Flood Risk Assessment and may need flood-resilient construction. We identify flood zone constraints early and design layouts with raised floor levels and water-resistant materials where required, satisfying both planning and Building Regulations.
Why homeowners choose us
We combine design and construction experience, so the early layout discussion considers how a home could be altered as well as how it could look. Detailed scope, pricing and programme are agreed separately for each project.
Free
Free project review
Tell us what you want to do. We call you back the same working day to tell you what your project needs and whether it is worth doing. There is no cost and no obligation.
Clearer scope before work begins
We use the available drawings and project information to discuss the proposed work before a quote and contract are agreed.
One firm and one contract
You don't have to find and manage separate designers, engineers and builders.
You can stop after any step
The drawings are yours to use with any builder.
How it works
There are five steps. You can stop after any of them.
You can stop after any step. The drawings are yours, and you can use them with another builder.
We build in Poole, Bournemouth, Christchurch and about 20 miles around them. For homes further away, our remote layout service works anywhere in the UK, and we can price the work, prepare tender documents and vet local builders.
Step 1
Free project review
Send us a few details or call. We look at what you want to do and tell you what it will need and whether it is worth taking further.
Free
Step 2
Layout Ideas Pack
We draw your home as it is now and up to three ways it could work, then fine-tune your favourite with you on a video call. Done remotely from your Rightmove link, floor plan or sketch, or in person with a measured site survey and a 3D point cloud scan.
Remote or in person
Step 3
Cost estimate
Once you have a layout you like, we can explain the further work needed and quote any separately agreed service.
Quoted separately
Step 4
Drawings, approvals and engineering
Full drawings, structural calculations, and the planning and Building Regulations applications. The house is measured at this stage if it hasn't been already.
Priced after the estimate
Step 5
The build
Near Poole, we can prepare a quote and contract using the information available for the agreed scope. Changes, site conditions and client decisions can affect scope, cost or programme. Further away, we can prepare tender information and support the selection of local builders.
Quoted for the agreed scope
What our customers say
- ★ 5.0 on Google (15 reviews)
- Checkatrade 10/10 (20 reviews)
- We reply the same working day.
“…they can do everything from start to finish for you.”
“…carried out layout drawings for a very reasonable amount. Josh also gave us a budget price to carry out the works.”
“I couldn't recommend Josh enough! He has been absolutely fantastic, nothing was too much trouble, he was happy to bounce lots of ideas back and forth until we were happy. He is polite, friendly and professional in every aspect. I would definitely be using his services again in the future when needed.”
“Josh got the plans for our extension completed and submitted very quickly. We had a number of amendments and obstacles to overcome but nothing was too much trouble for him. A very professional and efficient service.”
Questions
Do I need planning permission for a house extension in Christchurch?
It depends on your property's location. Homes within Christchurch's conservation area typically need full planning permission even for smaller extensions. Properties in Highcliffe, Mudeford, Somerford and Burton generally benefit from standard Permitted Development rights. We check your property with BCP Council and tell you what applies.
How much do extension plans cost in Christchurch?
Start with a free project review. If it makes sense to go ahead, the next step is the Layout Ideas Pack, done remotely or in person.
Are there flood risk issues for extensions in Christchurch?
Some properties near Christchurch Harbour, the Avon and the Stour fall within Flood Zone 2 or 3. This requires a Flood Risk Assessment with any planning application and may affect the ground-floor construction method. We identify these constraints early and design accordingly.
Can I extend a period property in Christchurch town centre?
Yes, but you will likely need full planning permission because of the conservation area designation. If your property is also listed, you will need Listed Building Consent as well. We produce designs that satisfy BCP Council's conservation officers while delivering the extra space.
Tell us what you want to change
Send a few details and we will call you back the same working day to tell you what your project needs. There is no cost and no obligation.
We build in Poole, Bournemouth, Christchurch and about 20 miles around them.
Step 1 of 3