Surrey · RH4, RH5
Extensions in Dorking
A home extension adds new floor space to an existing property — commonly a rear or side-return kitchen extension, a wraparound, or a first-floor addition — and typically involves planning or permitted development approval, Building Regulations, and coordination of groundworks, structure, roofing and internal finishing.
In Dorking, that covers Westcott, Milton Heath, Pixham, Ranmore, North Holmwood, Betchworth. Dorking is a historic market town at the foot of Box Hill and the North Downs, within the Surrey Hills National Landscape, with a well-preserved High Street and a range of period and character properties in the surrounding villages.
Coverage
Areas we cover in Dorking for extensions
Property styles in Dorking
The town and surrounding villages have a strong stock of period cottages, Victorian villas and larger detached houses, with barn and outbuilding conversion opportunities more common in the surrounding rural parts of the district.
Planning considerations
Mole Valley District Council is the local planning authority. Much of the area around Dorking falls within the Surrey Hills National Landscape (National Landscape, formerly AONB), and the town centre is a conservation area, both of which affect design approach and materials for extensions and conversions.
How it works
Our extensions process
- 01
Feasibility and survey
Assessing what is achievable on the plot, including boundary conditions, trees, drainage and neighbouring properties.
- 02
Design
Developing layout and elevations that work with the existing house, in scale and materials.
- 03
Planning route
Establishing whether the extension falls under permitted development or requires a full planning application, and submitting accordingly.
- 04
Party wall matters
Serving party wall notices where the extension is near a boundary, ahead of any groundworks starting.
- 05
Construction
Groundworks, structure, roof, and first fix through to decoration, with the existing house kept weathertight throughout.
- 06
Completion
Building Control sign-off, snagging list and handover.
Also in this area
Other services we provide in Dorking
Nearby coverage
Extensions in nearby areas
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FAQs
Extensions in Dorking: FAQs
Do you provide extensions across all of Dorking?
Yes, we cover the RH4 and RH5 postcode areas in full, including Westcott, Milton Heath, Pixham, Ranmore, North Holmwood, Betchworth.
Do I need planning permission for a rear extension?
Many single-storey rear extensions fall under permitted development if they meet size, height and boundary criteria. Larger extensions, those on designated land, or properties where permitted development rights have been removed, need a full planning application. We assess this during the feasibility stage.
What is a party wall notice and do I need one?
If your extension involves work at or near a shared boundary, the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 usually requires you to notify your neighbour before work starts. We flag this during design so notices can be served in good time.
Can barns near Dorking be converted to residential use?
It depends on the specific planning history and policy for the building, including whether Class Q permitted development rights apply. This is assessed individually for each building.
Get a quote for extensions in Dorking
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Last reviewed 2026-07-19.