GS Renovation designs and builds extensions across Highbury, adding space to the Victorian and Edwardian terraces near Highbury Fields without losing their character. With over 30 years in N5 and the surrounding Islington neighbourhoods, we handle the foundations, the steelwork, the roof and the full fit-out, and guide you through permitted development or a planning application to Islington Council.
Side-return extensions in Highbury
The side return is the strip of open ground beside the rear closet wing, and infilling it is the classic way to widen a cramped Highbury kitchen. We dig new foundations next to the existing wall, tie the new structure in, and install a steel beam where the original external wall is removed. A glazed roof or rooflights bring light deep into the plan, turning a narrow galley into an open kitchen-diner.
Many single-storey rear and side-return extensions on Highbury terraces fall under permitted development, but this is not guaranteed. If your home sits in a conservation area, has been extended before, or you want a larger footprint, a full planning application to Islington Council is likely. We assess your property first, then either apply for a lawful development certificate or prepare the planning submission, so you build on a sound legal footing.
Double-storey extensions across Highbury
A double-storey rear extension adds a bedroom or bathroom above a bigger kitchen, and on Highbury's generous terraced plots there is often room to do it well. We form deeper foundations to carry the extra load, build in brick or blockwork to match the existing elevation, and install steel beams at each floor. The rear closet wing can be squared off or wrapped around to create a coherent, larger footprint.
Extensions on shared boundaries bring the Party Wall etc. Act into play, since digging near or building against the neighbour's wall requires notice. In N5 you serve these notices, coordinate with Islington building control for the foundations, damp proofing, insulation and structure, and manage the roof, glazing, plastering and decoration. You deal with one team from the first trial hole to the final coat of paint.
- Side-return and rear extensions
- First fix and second fix plumbing and electrics throughout
- Drainage diversion and build-over agreements with the water authority
- Party Wall Act notices for excavation near a neighbour's wall
- Steel goalpost frames where the rear wall opens up
The GS Renovation Difference in Highbury
Homeowners in Highbury choose GS Renovation because we build extensions end to end, from groundworks and steel to the finished kitchen inside. We know how N5's terraces behave, when a scheme is permitted development and when Islington Council needs a planning application, and how to keep neighbours onside with proper party wall notices. Over 30 years of local work stands behind every project.
- Itemised pricing, so you can see what every stage costs
- Drainage diverted or built over with the right approval in place
- Photographs kept at each stage for your records
- Free follow-up visit after completion if anything needs attention
- Party Wall notices served for excavation near a neighbour's wall
- One point of contact on the phone, not a call centre