Single Storey Rear Extension in Century Road, Walthamstow – Planning Approved
Project Ref: 2212CH_HH
Looking to unlock space and light in a London terrace? This Century Road, Walthamstow project showcases how a carefully detailed single storey rear extension can transform day-to-day living while respecting neighbourhood character.
Project Overview
Located in the London Borough of Waltham Forest, the brief was to maximise family space, improve flow between kitchen, dining and living, and create a stronger connection to the garden—without losing the character of the mid-terrace home.
As residential architects and technologists, Detailed Planning led the process from feasibility through to planning approval: site analysis, concept design, preparation of drawings and documents, and close liaison with planning officers. Early identification of local constraints—amenity, massing and outlook—helped shape a proposal likely to be well-received and reduced the risk of delays.
Design & Detailing
The extension is a robust parapet-wall brick form with a brick soldier course crowning the facade for crisp definition. Two rainwater boxes with downpipes are set discreetly at either side, dropping neatly to ground level. A Crittall-style arrangement brings character: on the left, double doors and a large picture window with a dropped sill maximise views and daylight. The door and window frames are slim, echoing traditional steel-look glazing while delivering modern performance.
Materially, the design respects context. The existing house and adjoining neighbours are predominantly brick with simple window openings; the extension picks up those cues with matching brickwork and considered mortar tones, adding contemporary finesse through its glazing proportions and parapet line. Rooflights and improved fabric insulation enhance comfort and daylighting without introducing visual clutter.
Planning Strategy
We addressed the familiar terrace-house challenges—overlooking, daylight/sunlight, and bulk—by controlling height with the parapet and keeping side alignment sympathetic. Engagement with the London Borough of Waltham Forest and a clear planning application package (drawings plus a concise design & access/planning statement) led to approval on first submission.
If you’re weighing up your own scheme, our guide to planning tips and recent projects is a great place to start, and you can also explore our approved projects and case studies for similar examples.
Spatial Outcome
- Open-plan flow: A generous family hub that links cooking, dining and living spaces with the garden.
- Light & outlook: Slim-frame, Crittall-style doors and a large dropped-sill window bring the outside in.
- Quiet craft: Parapet brickwork with a soldier course and tidy RWP detailing delivers a calm, enduring facade.
- Buildability: Straightforward geometry and standard details keep cost and programme sensible.
Key Drawings
Tips for a Smooth Rear Extension in a Terrace
- Use a parapet to manage scale: Parapets help contain height and hide roof falls/box gutters, improving neighbourly impact.
- Express the brickwork: Soldier courses and neat perp joints add quality without major cost uplift—agree sample panels early.
- Plan rainwater cleanly: Position rainwater boxes/downpipes at the edges to keep elevations calm and maintenance simple.
- Balance glass & privacy: Slim-frame/Crittall-style units maximise light; pair with high-performance glazing and privacy-aware layouts.
- Think services early: Coordinate drainage, ventilation and lighting with the structure so your interiors stay uncluttered.
- Budget realistically: Use our extension cost calculator to test scope vs. budget before you lock in details.
- Line up approvals: Planning is one step—allow time for Building Regulations drawings and your chosen inspector’s plan check.
Outcome & Next Steps
The Century Road extension delivers practical family space and a refined street-facing sensibility. It increases day-to-day usability, enhances the connection to the garden, and adds long-term value—without overwhelming the terrace context.
Thinking about a similar project? Explore more case studies, learn about our process, or get in touch for a free initial call. If you’re ready to move quickly, our Feasibility Flash Visit can help de-risk decisions early, and we can prepare your planning application and Building Regulations drawings when you’re set.
