GS Renovation designs and builds extensions across Kensington, working within the constraints of W8's Georgian and Regency townhouses and the conservation areas that cover much of the Royal Borough. With over 30 years of local experience, we handle foundations, steelwork, roofing and a full fit-out on rear, side-return and wrap-around projects across the neighbourhood.
Rear and side-return extensions in Kensington
The side-return extension is a favourite in Kensington's period terraces, filling the narrow strip beside the rear closet wing to widen a kitchen into a bright open-plan space. We dig and lay new foundations, install the steel beams that carry the existing rear wall, and tie the new roof into the old. On the tighter plots common in W8, careful sequencing keeps the works manageable in an occupied home.
Because so much of Kensington falls within a conservation area, and many houses are listed, extensions here frequently need a full planning application to the council rather than relying on permitted development. Whether your project is permitted development or needs planning permission depends entirely on the property, its listing and any past alterations. We assess this early, then manage the drawings and building control through to completion.
Planning and party walls in Kensington
Permitted development rights are often restricted or removed on Kensington's period homes, particularly where a building is listed or within a conservation area near Holland Park or Notting Hill. We are realistic from the outset about which route your extension needs, so you are not caught out later. Where planning permission is required, we prepare and submit the application to the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea and manage the conditions attached.
Extending a terraced Kensington house almost always involves the shared party walls on both sides, and often excavation near them for new foundations. That brings the Party Wall Act into play, so you serve notices on neighbours in good time. The structural elements, the steel beams and any wall removal, are separately signed off under building regulations by building control, keeping the whole build fully compliant.
- Architectural drawings and structural engineer coordination
- Trial holes to set foundation depth near drains and trees
- Levels, drainage and landscaping made good around the new build
- Flat and pitched roofs with rooflights or lanterns
- Bi-fold, sliding and French door openings to the garden
Trusted House Extensions in Kensington
Homeowners across Kensington choose GS Renovation because we understand the planning reality of a conservation-area borough and build to suit period proportions. From foundations to fit-out, one team manages the engineer, the council application and building control, so your W8 extension is delivered cleanly and lawfully, backed by more than 30 years locally.
- Permitted development checked before you pay for a planning application
- Site left safe and secure at the end of every day
- Scaffolding and site set-up planned for tight London plots
- Paperwork and certificates handed over for when you sell
- Free follow-up visit after completion if anything needs attention
- Waste cleared as we go, not left piled in the garden