Architects for Extensions & Planning Applications  in Dorking

Planning permission, architectural design and project management  delivered end-to-end by a multi-award-winning local team.

All In One Architectural Solution In Dorking

Planning approved by Mole Valley District Council — 8 weeks standard decision.
Permitted Development: 3m/4m with no application, up to 6m/8m with Prior Approval - Surrey Hills AONB properties usually need full planning.
Full design, planning, and building regulations in one fixed fee.
Loft conversions available — Velux, dormer, and hip-to-gable options.
In-house structural engineer included — no separate specialist needed.
98% planning approval rate — including Surrey Hills AONB applications.

Extension Architecture handles planning applications, house extensions, and loft conversions across Dorking and the wider Mole Valley District Council area - serving RH4, RH5, KT22, KT23, KT24, and RH3. Most single-storey rear extensions qualify as Permitted Development (3m terraced / 4m detached), though Surrey Hills AONB and Green Belt properties require full planning. Mole Valley decisions take 8 weeks. Free quote today.

Modern kitchen extension interior in a Dorking home

We only deliver excellence

42⁺

Projects completed in Dorking

2220 ⁺

Our total projects completed in London & Surrey

Locations in Dorking

Dorking • Leatherhead • Fetcham • Bookham • Ashtead • Brockham • Betchworth • Capel

Postcodes Served

RH4, RH5, KT22, KT23, KT24, RH3

Our Expertise

Planning Application Drawings
Council-ready drawings, fast

3D Visualisations
See it before building

Retrospective Planning
Fix unpermitted works

Building Regulation Drawings
Safe, compliant drawings

Commercial Development Consultancy
Change of use experts

Interior Design
Finishes inside out

Spatial Planning & Layout
Smarter room layouts

Feasibility Consultancy
Know what’s possible

Recent Dorking Architects Extension & Loft Conversion Projects

What makes Dorking Special?

Located in the Surrey Hills, a rising inland region twenty miles away from London, Dorking benefits from rural location and easy access to the big city at the same time. This beautiful market town is perfect for anyone who wants the charm of the country, but the advantage of being just a stone’s throw from London. Box Hill and Denbies Hillside are two fascinating natural wonders in Dorking, making it a perfect place to go cycling, for a stroll, and marvel at the wonderful sights.

With its rich choice of leisure activities, including golf clubs, a theatre, and cinema, the high street of the town guarantees a vibrant atmosphere. Families are also likely to enjoy Dorking because of its quality schools, including St Pauls, St Martins, The Ashcombe, and The Priory schools.

We, architects in Dorking, certainly comprehend the town’s identity and do know many town planning regulation specifics. We are committed to ensuring that your project maintains the essence of this great town as it seeks to fulfil its objective – making Dorking a great place to live.

Varied housing stock in Dorking — Victorian, Edwardian, and 1930s properties.
Surrey Hills AONB affects some properties — always verify your address first.
Strong property values — well-designed extensions consistently add value.
Mole Valley District Council operates clear planning policies and 8-week decision timelines.

Period brick property in Dorking suited to a rear or loft extension

What Our Clients Say About
Extension Architecture

Glazed single-storey rear extension by Extension Architecture in Dorking

Interior fit-out, Dorking

Planning Applications and Architectural Services in Dorking

Extension Architecture’s founder and director Eugene Kim has supervised numerous completed projects in the area. Being local architects in Dorking, we take on single storey extensions, loft conversions and refurbishments frequently. An overwhelming majority of homeowners in Dorking are ‘residential’, meaning that most of them will not be moving out any time soon; therefore, they aim at optimising both space usage and land value. We know that your home is one of the largest assets you will ever purchase and as such, we pride ourselves in being able to walk with you from the design, cost estimation and right up to the actual construction in order to deliver a quality home.

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Explore before & after visuals of our extension builder projects

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Before

After

Why choose Extension Architecture?

Our experienced team of Dorking architects will take the lead and create a thoughtful design that maximizes the available space and is tailored to your tastes. We will guide you through the intricacies of the planning process and discuss every aspect of the project in detail. Our architects will carefully survey your property to ensure no detail is overlooked. We will be with you throughout the process, providing clear and comprehensive instructions while walking you through the planning, application and construction process.

One-Stop Solution

Our firm provides a comprehensive range of services under one roof, from planning and architectural design to intricate interior and immersive design, and expertly manages the complexities of the construction process. We have delivered projects of various scales and budgets, from small home extensions to large new builds, for a diverse clientele.

In-house Structural Engineer

We have an in-house structural engineer, so you won't need to coordinate with multiple consultants. Our architects and structural engineers work together from the start, with the design and structural calculations developed by the same team. This helps keep your project moving, reduces delays, and avoids unnecessary revisions.

Interior Design + Architecture

Our team includes in-house interior designers who work closely with you to create spaces that suit your lifestyle and personal style. They help with key design decisions, including colour schemes, wall finishes, flooring, lighting, and furnishings. Because our architects and interior designers work together throughout the project, every detail is coordinated from the initial design through to the final interior.

Turn-Key Approach

We provide support throughout the entire building process, embracing a ‘turnkey approach’ to ensure a smooth and efficient project from start to finish. Additionally, we assist in reducing build costs by aiding in the procurement of all internal fit-outs, including sanitaryware, kitchens, and more. It’s a zero hassle solution for clients.

Start Planning an Extension Home today

If you are planning a house extension in Dorking, our architects can guide you through the entire process from concept design to construction.

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Years of Experience

17

Any Questions?

Didn’t find your answer? Feel free to reach out

Not always. Most single-storey rear extensions in Dorking fall under Permitted Development, so no planning application is needed – up to 3m for terraced and semi-detached homes, up to 4m for detached ones. Want to go further? The Larger Home Extension Scheme lets you stretch that to 6m or 8m, though you’ll need Prior Approval and to notify your neighbours first. If your property sits within the Surrey Hills AONB, these rights usually don’t apply, and you’ll need full planning permission from Mole Valley District Council instead – that typically takes 8 weeks, or up to 13 for AONB applications. We’ll check your eligibility for free before any design work starts, so you know exactly where you stand.

Costs depend heavily on extension type, size, and finish specification, but as a guide, single-storey extensions in Surrey typically start from the low tens of thousands and rise with scale and spec, while loft conversions and double-storey extensions cost more due to structural work. We provide a free, tailored quote after understanding your property, budget, and goals — with no design fee charged upfront.

Mole Valley District Council targets 8 weeks to decide a standard householder planning application; applications affecting the Surrey Hills AONB can take up to 13 weeks. Once granted, planning permission stays valid for 3 years. Pre-application advice and a well-prepared submission reduce the chance of delays or requests for revisions — something we handle as part of every Dorking application we submit.

Dorking properties are typically suited to rear dormer, Velux (rooflight), or hip-to-gable loft conversions, depending on roof shape and Permitted Development eligibility. Properties within the Surrey Hills AONB need full planning permission for any loft conversion type, with no Permitted Development route. All loft conversions must also meet Building Regulations Parts B (fire safety), K (stairs/falls), and L (energy efficiency) regardless of planning status. We advise on the right option at no charge.

Properties within the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty generally lose Permitted Development rights that other Dorking properties have, meaning full planning permission is required even for extensions that would otherwise be automatically allowed — including most loft conversions. AONB applications to Mole Valley District Council can also take longer to decide, up to around 13 weeks rather than 8. We check AONB status for every enquiry before recommending an approach.

Extension Architecture is a RIBA-chartered, ARB-registered practice founded by architect Eugene Kim, with 17 years’ experience and 42+ completed projects in Dorking specifically (2,220+ across London and Surrey). Most architecture practices bring in a separate structural engineer partway through the project – we don’t, because ours works alongside the design team from day one. Every Dorking enquiry starts with a free feasibility assessment.

The service covers the full process end to end: feasibility and planning advice, architectural design, planning application drawings, Building Regulations drawings, and — because the practice has an in-house structural engineer — structural calculations without needing a separate consultant. Interior design and 3D visualisation are also available under the same fixed fee, rather than as add-on costs from a third party.

Coverage includes Dorking itself plus Leatherhead, Fetcham, Bookham, Ashtead, Brockham, Betchworth, and Capel — broadly the Mole Valley District Council area, spanning postcodes RH4, RH5, KT22, KT23, KT24, and RH3. All these areas fall under the same council planning policies and 8-week standard decision timeline.

A refusal isn’t final — most refused applications can be revised and resubmitted, or appealed to the Planning Inspectorate within set time limits. Good pre-application advice and a well-prepared submission substantially reduce refusal risk in the first place. Extension Architecture reports a 98% planning approval rate across its projects, including applications within the Surrey Hills AONB, and manages any resubmission process if needed.

Architects for Extensions & Planning Applications  in Dorking