Architects in Brent

Brent's terraced and semi-detached streets suit rear and side-return extensions, dormer lofts and basements. Developers come to us for flat conversions and mixed-use schemes in Wembley and the growth areas.

Brent has its own guidance on extensions and on basements, and both are stricter than the national permitted development limits. We design to them from the first sketch, so the scheme you approve is one the council is likely to accept.

Planning context in Brent

• Single-storey rear extensions are normally limited to 3m deep on terraced and semi-detached houses and 4m on detached houses, with more depth possible if set in from the boundary (Residential Extensions and Alterations SPD 2, 2018). Source
• Rear dormers outside conservation areas can be the full width of the original roof but must sit at least 0.3m below the ridge and 0.5m above the eaves. Source
• Basements should be no wider than the original house, extend no more than 3m beyond the rear and be one storey deep (Basement SPD, 2017). Source
• An Article 4 direction has removed permitted development rights for small HMOs across most of the borough since 1 November 2022, so converting a house to a small HMO needs planning permission. Source
• Additional HMO licensing started on 2 February 2026, and selective licensing covers every ward except Wembley Park. Source

Checked October 2026. Policy changes frequently; we confirm the position for your address at the outset of every project.