Extensions · Dorchester
House extensions in Dorchester
An extension in Dorchester 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 Dorchester and what they need
Dorchester is Dorset's county town, with a historic centre and the Poundbury development on its western edge. Housing ranges from Georgian townhouses on High West Street and South Street to Victorian terraces in Fordington, post-war estates in Poundbury Gate, and the design-controlled homes of Poundbury itself. Each area needs a different approach to extensions.
Poundbury and its design controls
Poundbury is a planned extension to Dorchester, built on Duchy of Cornwall land according to traditional architectural principles. Homes here are subject to design codes that control materials, window proportions, roof forms and external colours. An extension must comply with the Poundbury Design Code and is assessed by both Dorset Council and the Duchy of Cornwall's architectural advisor. We design to these requirements from the outset, using the specified materials and proportions.
Georgian and Victorian properties in the town centre
Dorchester's historic core has Georgian townhouses, Victorian terraces and period cottages, many within the conservation area or individually listed. Extensions here focus on rear additions that do not alter the street-facing elevation, using materials that match the existing stone and brick. We produce designs for Dorset Council's conservation team, including heritage impact assessments where required.
Suburban estates and surrounding villages
The estates of Charlton Down and Poundbury Gate, and the surrounding villages of Charminster, Maiden Newton and Cerne Abbas, have a mix of modern and period housing. Standard Permitted Development rights generally apply outside the conservation area, which keeps the process straightforward.
Planning permission for extensions in Dorchester
Dorchester falls under Dorset Council, which processes all Householder Planning Applications for the area. The town has a large conservation area covering the historic centre, plus the Poundbury Design Code that applies to the western extension.
How Dorset Council handles extension planning in Dorchester
Dorset Council typically decides Householder Planning Applications within eight weeks. The council charges an application fee, set nationally and revised each year, and the Planning Portal lists the current fees. For properties within the conservation area, PD rights are restricted and extensions usually need full planning permission. Outside the conservation area and Poundbury, standard PD rules apply. We check your property's designation and planning history before recommending a way forward.
Poundbury Design Code requirements
Extensions to Poundbury properties must comply with the Poundbury Design Code, which sets out approved materials, window-to-wall ratios, roof pitches and external finishes. Proposals are reviewed by the Duchy of Cornwall's architectural advisor as well as Dorset Council's planning team. We design to the Code from the start, including the specified stone, render and slate.
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 an extension in Dorchester?
Properties in the Dorchester conservation area and Poundbury typically need full planning permission. Homes outside these areas generally benefit from standard Permitted Development rights. We check your property's status with Dorset Council and advise which option applies.
Can I extend a Poundbury property?
Yes, but you must comply with the Poundbury Design Code, which sets out approved materials, window proportions and architectural details. We design to the Code from the start and manage the review process with both Dorset Council and the Duchy of Cornwall's architectural advisor.
How much do extension plans cost in Dorchester?
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. For Poundbury properties, we include design notes addressing the Poundbury Design Code requirements.
Which council handles planning for Dorchester?
Dorset Council handles all planning applications for Dorchester. The council charges an application fee, set nationally and revised each year, and the Planning Portal lists the current fees. Applications are typically decided within eight weeks. We handle the submission process, quoted after the review.
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