Hi Ed,
I’m sure there are clever ways of making this existing layout perfect for you and within your budget. Have you had an architect over to chat the concept through with you? If not feel free to contact me on: 07927739303 or annadp@marbleair.com

recently done a similar project in London , happy to ping some ideas around on email when you are ready

Thanks for getting back to me.

Finally exchanged on the purchase.

Being in a Westminster Council Conservation area will place restrictions on things like the siting of the stairs to any loft conversion.

Having spent at bit of time in the property, maybe having the Master at the front of the house isn't too noisy. Considering going for an adaptable entire first floor master which we could section off if guests ever stay. ...Probably an unworkable idea.

Still just don't want to end up with those 'dead' posh rooms on the raised ground floor with us only ever living in a lower ground floor kitchen.

Ive done a lot of work in Westminster and Belgravia....there are restrictions but creative solutions can ( as I am sure you are aware always be found ....my advise would be to have an idea of what you want and then look at wether it need to comply rigidly with restrictions or if it is possible to gain a relaxation of the regulations ...presumably the property is listed ?? or is it only part of the conservation area ??

Happily the property isn’t listed it's just within the Bayswater Conservation Area. It’s part of a block of five similarly unfashionable 1960’s bomb site fill-ins but we think it's got loads of potential.

Hi Edward, I’d look at making part of the new rear lower ground floor extension double height so that it visually connects to the living area on the ground floor. A redesigned staircase could work too in bringing the two spaces together. It looks like you have a lovely project that will benefit from some clever design.

I think you are right. The problem may be getting permission for a two storey (lower ground and raised ground) rear extension in a Westminster Conservation Area.

Just needs to be thought out and presented correctly but definitely a nice scheme .

Hi Edward, I just got planning and in the construction process, for a house extension similar to what you are after. I will attached an image for your information. Also it is worth looking around, to see what other people have done in your area, as this will give you an idea on what could get planning.

You’re right Erwin. However locals might begin to think I’m some kind of prospective burglary as I peer over into their back gardens!

Also if you are on a tight budget, you could consider doing a permitted developement scheme which does not required any planning approval in principle. PS. Remember your balaclava while peering over the back wall.

Or maybe a safer way to check out what has been consented is to go onto the planning portal of Westminster! ;)

Hi Tiziana. Yes that's a much safer way.