We work across St Albans on extensions, whole-home remodels, new homes and conversions, with three projects in progress in the city now.
Our work in St Albans.
Project 2095 transformed the former Rug Shop, a familiar city-centre building, into five apartments and a refurbished retail unit, and received a commendation from St Albans Civic Society. It needed investigation and structural rebuilding before a further floor could be added, and its upper levels look across the city towards the cathedral.
In progress in St Albans now.
- Project 3114 is a bespoke new home in Marshalswick, replacing an existing house. Designed by St Albans practice Uskuri Theobald Architects, it’s built around a structural steel frame across three floors.
- Project 3112 is a bespoke new-build home.
- Project 3116 is a bespoke extension.
We’ve also recently completed Project 3115, a bespoke extension in St Albans.
How we can help.
- House extensions and renovations, including work to the existing rooms.
- Bespoke new homes, including replacing an existing house.
- Design and build, if you’re starting without drawings.
- Conversions and development, for buildings with another use ahead of them.
Planning in St Albans.
Planning applications in both Harpenden and St Albans are decided by St Albans City and District Council. It has adopted a new Local Plan, and it has said that some applications are currently taking longer than normal, so allow for that in your timing.
Some extensions can go ahead under permitted development, without a full planning application. For a single-storey rear extension, the usual limit is 4 metres on a detached house and 3 metres on other houses, and up to 4 metres high. A prior approval process can allow up to 8 metres and 6 metres, but not in a conservation area. Other conditions apply, and the rules depend on your house and its history.
Building regulations are separate. Most extensions need approval, even where planning permission isn’t needed.
Two local points are worth checking early:
- Conservation areas. The St Albans Conservation Area is one of 19 in the district, and the council divides it into separate character areas. Sopwell has its own. Permitted development rights are more limited in a conservation area, and demolition there may need planning permission.
- Article 4 directions. The council has placed these on some vulnerable parts of conservation areas, removing some permitted development rights. Its conservation areas page explains how to check your address.
What will it cost?
See what we have priced recently, what those figures include and what changes them.
Common questions.
Do you work on older buildings in St Albans?
Yes. Project 2095 involved structural work to an existing city-centre building. The right approach depends on the building and its planning position, so send us what you know about yours.
Do I need planning permission for an extension in St Albans?
It depends on the size and position of the extension, your house and whether a conservation area or Article 4 direction applies. Check before you commit to a design.
Can you work from my architect’s drawings?
Yes. If your technical package is developed, our construction service can work from it. If not, design and build brings the design and the budget together.