GS Renovation builds house extensions throughout Kensington and Chelsea, adding space to the period townhouses and mews properties of Notting Hill, Holland Park and South Kensington. With 30+ years across W8, W11, SW7 and SW10, we handle groundworks, steelwork, roofing and fit-out, working within the tight urban plots and conservation constraints typical of the Royal Borough.
Rear and side-return extensions in Kensington and Chelsea
Many townhouses across SW3 and W11 have a rear closet wing and a narrow side return that can be infilled to widen the kitchen and reception. On these period plots we dig foundations to suit the ground and neighbouring structures, install steel beams to carry the existing wall over the new opening, and tie the new roof and rooflights into the original fabric. The result is a lighter, more open ground floor without losing the character of the house.
Extensions may be permitted development or may need a full planning application to the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, and it depends entirely on the property. Much of the borough sits within conservation areas, and many townhouses are listed, which restricts or removes permitted development rights. We check the property's designation first, then advise on whether planning permission and listed building consent are required before any design is finalised.
Groundwork and steel for Kensington and Chelsea plots
Building at the rear of a Notting Hill or Knightsbridge terrace means working in confined spaces between existing walls, so groundworks and material handling need planning. We assess foundations against neighbouring structures and drainage, form the new footings, and set the structural steel that carries the loads where the original rear wall is removed. The steel is sized by an engineer and inspected by building control at each stage.
Because the new work almost always meets a shared boundary, the Party Wall Act applies and notices are served on adjoining owners before excavation near their foundations begins. We coordinate this alongside building control and, where relevant, planning conditions from the council. From groundworks through to the full internal fit-out, one team manages the extension so the finish matches the period proportions of the existing home.
- Wrap-around extensions and infills
- Scaffolding, site set-up and safe access on tight London plots
- Side-return and rear extensions
- Full fit-out, finishing and making good
- Roof works and structural alterations at roof level
The GS Renovation Difference in Kensington and Chelsea
Kensington and Chelsea homeowners choose GS Renovation because an extension here is rarely simple: conservation areas, listed status, tight plots and party walls all come into play. We manage the planning versus permitted development question, the engineering and the build as one accountable project, with 30+ years of experience across the borough's period stock.
- Building control inspected at foundation, damp course and steel stages
- Brick and mortar matched to the existing elevation
- One point of contact on the phone, not a call centre
- Foundation depth set after trial holes, drains and trees are checked
- Free, no-obligation quotations
- Fully insured, with cover in place on every site