project description

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As a young, local family outgrowing their existing home, our Clients were in search of a practical yet creative solution to increase their living space without needing to relocate. Their two-bedroom bungalow, although charming and located in the perfect spot, no longer met the needs of their growing family. Instead of moving, they decided to invest in a carefully designed loft conversion and extension, an approach that would require thoughtful design, detailed planning, and, crucially, successful planning permission.

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The vision was to convert the unused loft into a bright, functional living space that would accommodate a new master bedroom suite and a family-friendly living area. Early in the process, we carried out feasibility studies and explored several architectural options. It quickly became clear that to achieve the headroom and spatial quality needed for a long-term solution, we would need to raise both the eaves and ridge height. This architectural move was a key element of our planning permission strategy and was carefully justified in terms of both design impact and contextual appropriateness.

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Alongside the loft conversion, we proposed the addition of a side dormer. This was included not only to increase usable floor space but also to improve natural light and provide better circulation within the new upper level. The dormer’s scale and materials were sensitively designed to appear cohesive with the proposals and with consideration to the neighbouring properties, an important consideration when submitting the planning permission application to the local authority.

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On the ground floor, the design sought to retain the existing two bedrooms and the shower room while significantly improving the heart of the home. We reconfigured the internal layout to create an open-plan kitchen and dining space that would enhance daily life. This design decision allowed the family to enjoy both improved functionality and a modern sense of openness without compromising the bungalow’s external amenity space.

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Upstairs, the first floor offered even more possibilities. Taking advantage of the elevated position of the home, we introduced a separate living room featuring a glazed gable window, perfectly framing stunning views over Newlyn and Penzance. This room was designed as a light-filled retreat for the family, away from the bustle of daily life downstairs.

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To the rear of the loft, we created a luxurious master suite, complete with a generous walk-in wardrobe and a stylish en-suite shower room. A beautifully designed galleried landing connects the first-floor spaces, leading to a family bathroom and additional storage—all carefully planned to make the most of every square metre.

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Throughout the project, obtaining planning permission was a central focus. Our experience in working with local authorities ensured that we addressed all potential concerns early in the design process, from scale and massing to material choices and neighbouring amenity. By developing a comprehensive, well-justified proposal, we successfully secured planning permission, allowing our Clients to transform their home with confidence.

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The final result is a thoughtfully designed family home that blends practicality, beauty, and long-term value, demonstrating the impact of good design and a strategic approach to planning permission.

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