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Q&As
We have a 1950s bungalow with planning to double floor space. Could we knock down and replace with a new build?
We have a 1950s bungalow of approx 1400 sq ft. We have just received planning permission to extend to 2850. The bungalow is a dormer style and during planning the planning officer suggested that due to the extent of the extension a knock down and rebuild would probably be a better idea. We are now considering this, however we would prefer to replace with a house of similar size to fit in with the area (we are the only bungalow in the local area). Any advice on the best way to proceed and are planners open to the idea of replacing bungalows with a house?
Answers
Replacing a bungalow with a two-storey house can be contentious where the prevailing style of dwelling in the near vicinity is all bungalows. Also, in the countryside, the visual impact of a house could be greater than a lower profile bungalow, and so lead to objections from planners. That said, there are many situations where a house would be more characteristic of the area than a bungalow and so arguably an improvement. You’ve done well to double the size via extension, and the reaction of the planning officer sounds positive. It would be worthwhile getting some sketch plans drawn up of your replacement idea, and then get pre-application advice from the council, so any issues can be ironed out before the detailed plans are drawn.
