Planning a Home Extension or Refurbishment? Here's What You Need to Know

You love your home — but something’s not quite working anymore. Maybe the kitchen’s too cramped. Maybe you’ve outgrown the layout. Maybe you just want a space that feels lighter, brighter, and more… you. Whatever your reason, you’re not alone — and you’re in the right place.

At AM2 Architects, we help homeowners across Nottinghamshire and Lincolnshire create homes that don’t just look better — they live better. And it all starts with one word: planning.

This isn’t just about permissions and paperwork. It’s about making smart, future-proof decisions so you get the space you want — without wasting time, money, or momentum.

Here’s what you need to know — and where to dig deeper — before you start your extension, renovation, or full-scale transformation.

You Don’t Need to Move. You Just Need to Rethink Your Space.

We’ve all been there — standing in the kitchen wondering why it feels like a maze, or bumping into each other in the hallway and thinking, "We’ve outgrown this." But more often than not, it’s not about needing more house, it’s about needing a smarter layout.

That’s where we come in.

At AM2 Architects, we help you reimagine your home. We start by listening — to how you live, what frustrates you, and what could make your space more joyful. Whether it's adding a light-filled kitchen extension that brings the garden into your everyday, creating a tucked-away utility to declutter your mornings, or opening up a floor plan to make family life more fluid, our goal is to make your home work harder and feel better.

And if you're ready to fall back in love with your home? We’re ready too.

Portfolio Highlights: Real Projects, Real Possibilities

Sometimes, seeing what's possible is all the inspiration you need.

After all, it's one thing to imagine transforming your home — and another to see how others have done it. That’s why we’re proud to share highlights from our portfolio: real-life extensions, refurbishments, and countryside homes where clever planning and creative design made all the difference.

These aren’t showpieces — they’re family homes that now flow better, feel brighter, and function beautifully. Whether it’s a Green Belt-sensitive extension that feels seamless, a bold Paragraph 84 home in open countryside, or a modest kitchen extension that changed the rhythm of daily life, each one tells a story of vision turned reality.

So if you’re wondering what’s possible for your own home, let these projects guide you, ground you, and spark a little excitement about what’s next.

Check out out work:

What You Need to Know Before Starting a Planning Application

Most homeowners underestimate how important the early stages of a project are. It’s tempting to jump straight to designs and Pinterest boards — but missing key planning steps early on can lead to big delays (and even bigger costs) later.

In What You Need to Know Before Starting a Planning Application, we break down what really matters in those early moments. From understanding your local authority’s stance to knowing which documents to prepare, it’s your ultimate cheat sheet for a smooth submission. We even cover the less-talked-about aspects like how to approach your neighbours, what red flags to avoid, and how to manage expectations if you're in a more complex area.

This is your starting line — and we’ll help you get it right from the first step.

Dreaming of a Countryside Home? Learn About Paragraph 84

So many of our clients come to us with a vision: a beautifully crafted, design-led home in the countryside. But they often think it’s just that — a dream. That’s where Paragraph 84 comes in.

Our post Understanding the Paragraph 84 House shows how this unique clause in the National Planning Policy Framework allows for homes in open countryside — if the architecture is truly exceptional. It’s challenging, yes, but also achievable with the right strategy, creativity, and presentation.

We walk you through how we approach these one-of-a-kind projects: from choosing the right site, to designing with sensitivity and imagination, to presenting to design review panels. If you’re serious about building something remarkable, this article is a must-read.

The Smart Way to Get Planning Approval First Time

Nobody likes rejection. Especially not after investing months into drawings, consultant fees, and emotional energy. That’s why we focus so much on getting it right the first time.

In How to Maximise Your Chances of Planning Approval First Time, we dive into the planning mindset — both yours and the council’s. We talk about how pre-application advice can be gold dust, why policy language matters, and how to create a proposal that’s both ambitious and realistic.

Planning isn’t just a hurdle. It’s a conversation. Let us help you speak the right language.

Your Home Might Already Qualify: Explore Permitted Development

Not every project needs a planning application. Surprised? Many homeowners are — which is why we created our Permitted Development Guide.

Permitted Development rights allow you to extend or alter your home without going through the full planning process. But there are rules, limitations, and opportunities you might not be aware of. Our guide helps you understand what’s allowed, when a Lawful Development Certificate can be your best friend, and how to use PD rights to your full advantage.

Sometimes, the fastest path forward is already open. We’ll help you walk it.

Building in the Green Belt? Here's What You Need to Know

If you live in the Green Belt, you’ve probably heard the word “no” more times than you care to remember. But here’s the truth: planning in the Green Belt isn’t impossible — it’s just more nuanced.

Our post Understanding Green Belt Land walks through what is possible, from modest extensions to reusing existing footprint to design-led proposals that respect and enhance the setting. We’ve helped homeowners in Southwell, Newark and surrounding areas unlock their property's potential — without triggering policy red flags.

It’s about working with the land, not against it. And we know how to make that work.

Conservation Areas: Preserve Charm, Add Possibility

Living in a Conservation Area is a privilege — and a challenge. Your home is part of a story, and any changes you make need to respect that. But that doesn’t mean you’re stuck with outdated layouts or wasted potential.

In Designing Residential Projects in Conservation Areas, we share how we balance heritage with progress. We discuss material choices, design restraint, and how subtle alterations can dramatically improve how you live — without upsetting the neighbourhood or the planners.

Beauty, after all, is in the details. And the details are where we shine.

What We Offer in Lincoln & Nottingham

Every project starts with a conversation — and in Our Planning Services in Lincoln & Nottingham, we open that door. Whether you’re planning a rear extension in West Bridgford or a new-build on a plot outside Lincoln, our team brings decades of local planning knowledge and award-nominated design experience to your side.

We cover everything from feasibility and concept design to submission strategy and aftercare. Our goal is simple: take the stress out of planning, so you can focus on creating a home you love.

Areas We Cover at AM2 Architects

AM2 Architects proudly serves clients throughout Nottinghamshire and Lincolnshire, bringing architectural solutions that respect each area’s unique character and planning regulations. Key areas we cover include:

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Contact Us for a Free Consultation

At AM2 Architects, we believe that every project begins with a conversation. Whether you have a clear vision or need guidance to develop your ideas, our team is here to assist you. We offer complimentary consultations to better understand your needs, explore design possibilities, and discuss how we can bring your project to life.

Reach out to us to schedule your free consultation today. We look forward to collaborating with you.