Bright single storey extension with roof windows and exposed brick wall

House extensions in Oxford

Create more space with quality construction and careful craftsmanship

We design and construct single and double storey extensions that enhance both space and value. From open-plan kitchen extensions to full property expansions, we create seamless additions that integrate perfectly with your existing home.

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Our approach to house extensions in Oxfordshire

A good extension starts with understanding the house you already have. We visit the property, look at the structure, levels, drainage and access, and talk through how you want to use the new space, whether that is an open-plan kitchen-diner, a larger living area or extra bedrooms over two storeys. Where drawings are needed we work alongside your architect and consultants, then give you a detailed, transparent quotation before anything is booked in.

Oxfordshire housing varies a great deal, from Victorian and Edwardian houses in North Oxford to post-war semis in Kidlington and stone cottages in the Cotswolds. Matching the brick or stone, roof pitch and detailing is what makes an extension look as though it belongs. At Cox Lane in Chipping Norton we built a double storey extension in natural Cotswold stone, integrated with the original period property. Our own bricklayers, carpenters and roofers carry out that work, so the quality stays in our hands.

Because our in-house teams cover everything from groundworks and brickwork to plastering, electrics, heating and decoration, we can sequence the work closely and keep you informed at each stage. We keep the site clean and organised, which matters when you are living in the house during the build. When the work is finished we walk through it with you, put right anything that needs attention and stay available for aftercare.

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Extension projects

Cox Lane, Chipping Norton, Cotswolds
Chestnut Close, Chesterton, Bicester
22 Vicarage Road, Oxford
View all extension projects
testimonials

“North Oxford Developments completely transformed our home. What started as a tired, outdated property is now a beautiful, modern space that works perfectly for us as a family. The new extension and open-plan kitchen have made such a difference — it’s now the heart of our home. The quality of the finish throughout is excellent, and every detail was clearly thought through. The team were reliable, professional, and always kept us informed. They stuck to the timelines they set out and made the whole process far less stressful than we expected. We’re absolutely delighted with the end result and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them.”

- Beth
testimonials

“North Oxford Developments delivered an excellent result on this project. Building two new flats from the ground up alongside an existing property is no small task, but they managed it with confidence and professionalism throughout.

The finish on both units is to a very high standard, and their attention to detail really shows. They were well organised, communicated clearly, and kept the project running smoothly from start to finish.

We were particularly impressed with how they handled the logistics and coordination across the site. The end result speaks for itself, and we’d be more than happy to work with them again.”

- London Road, Headington – New Build Flats & Development

proud to be members of FMB, NFB & HBF

Planning a house extension in Oxford: what to consider

Many single storey rear extensions can be built under permitted development, without a planning application. For most houses the limit is 3 metres beyond the original rear wall, or 4 metres for a detached house, with a maximum height of 4 metres, and materials must look similar to the existing house. Larger single storey extensions of up to 6 metres (8 metres for detached houses) are possible through the prior approval process, where the council consults your neighbours. Side and two storey extensions have tighter rules, and flats have no householder permitted development rights.

Much of central and North Oxford lies within conservation areas, and parts of West Oxfordshire fall within the Cotswolds National Landscape. On this designated land, side extensions and extensions of more than one storey need planning permission, and exterior cladding is not permitted development. Listed buildings need listed building consent for most alterations, inside and out. Some areas also have Article 4 directions that remove permitted development rights, so check with Oxford City Council, Cherwell or West Oxfordshire. A Lawful Development Certificate gives formal confirmation that a project is lawful.

Most extensions need Building Regulations approval, whatever the planning position. Building control checks foundations, structure, insulation, drainage, ventilation and fire safety. If you are building on or near a shared boundary, or digging foundations close to a neighbour’s, the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 usually requires written notice to the neighbour, normally at least two months before work starts. Costs are shaped mainly by size, ground conditions, structural openings, glazing, the kitchen or bathroom specification and how much of the existing house is affected.

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Frequently asked questions about house extensions in Oxford

Not always. Many single storey rear extensions are permitted development if they extend no more than 3 metres beyond the original rear wall (4 metres for a detached house), are no higher than 4 metres and use similar materials. Conservation areas, listed buildings, flats and homes covered by Article 4 directions have different rules, so check with your local planning authority first.

Councils should normally decide householder applications within 8 weeks of the application being validated. Validation itself can take time, and amendments or consultation responses can extend the process. A prior approval application for a larger single storey extension follows a separate route. Allow time for drawings and Building Regulations approval before work can start.

You may do. If your extension involves building on or at the boundary, cutting into a party wall or digging near a neighbour’s foundations, the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 requires you to give written notice. Your neighbour can consent in writing, or surveyors agree a party wall award setting out how the work is done. It is separate from planning permission.

Yes, but it will need planning permission. On designated land, including conservation areas, extensions of more than one storey are not permitted development. The council will look closely at design, materials and how the extension relates to the original building. We have built double storey extensions in Cotswold stone and in brick that sit comfortably with period properties.

In most cases, yes. Many homeowners stay at home during an extension, because the existing house can stay closed off until the final connection is made. There may be short periods without a kitchen, water or power while services are connected. We talk you through the sequence of work before the build starts so you know what to expect and when.

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