If you own a home in a conservation area, you already know these locations are special. They protect the character, history, and architecture of the area — and they often come with higher property values. But if you want to extend or alter your home, the rules are different, and navigating them successfully takes expertise.

At Acre Design, our team specialises in architectural design for conservation areas. Over the past 20 years, we’ve delivered bespoke extensions across the North East — from elegant Victorian terraces in Tynemouth and Jesmond, to period villas in Gosforth, stone-built properties in Hexham, and coastal gems in Alnmouth and Warkworth. We know how to design spaces that meet modern needs while respecting heritage — and how to secure the necessary approvals to make them a reality.

What is a conservation area?

A conservation area is a designated zone where local authorities have agreed the existing architecture and streetscape are worth protecting for future generations. It could be a row of handsome Edwardian homes in Whitley Bay, a market town high street in Alnwick, or modest miners’ cottages in Stocksfield with unique historical significance.

The aim is to prevent overdevelopment and preserve the visual and cultural character of the area — protecting both its beauty and its value.

How to check if your home is in a conservation area

Most local authority websites have maps you can search by postcode. Alternatively, you can use tools like:

👉 www.conservationareachecker.com

If your home is in a conservation area, there’s a strong chance you’ll need full planning permission for changes to the exterior — even for works that would normally be covered by permitted development rights.

Understanding local guidance

Every conservation area, whether it’s the leafy streets of Jesmond, the cobbled lanes of Corbridge, or the historic quayside of Berwick-upon-Tweed, has its own written appraisal and management plan. This sets out the key features, materials, and details that contribute to its character.

In many areas, permitted development rights are restricted under an Article 4 Direction. This means alterations like replacing windows, adding extensions, or even changing roof materials require approval. The good news: with the right design, most projects can still gain consent.

Working with conservation area officers

Applications in conservation areas are often reviewed in consultation with a Conservation Area Officer (CAO). Their priority is to maintain the area’s original appearance, remove inappropriate past additions, and ensure any new work is sympathetic in scale, style, and materials.

While many homeowners assume only an architect can manage these applications, what’s really needed is a detailed understanding of planning policy and architectural design principles. That’s exactly where Acre Design’s experience makes the difference. We also collaborate with planning officers, heritage consultants, and where appropriate, local architects, to make sure your proposal is as strong as possible.

What’s possible?

Loft Conversions

Conservation-style rooflights at the front
Small, traditional dormers to the rear
Avoid large box dormers or full hip-to-gable changes unless there is precedent

Bedroom Extensions

Side extensions must be clearly subservient, with a set-back from the main frontage
Corner plots are treated carefully, as both sides are street-facing
Matching materials and detailing are essential

Ground Floor Extensions

Porches: Small, high-quality, and often largely glazed to reduce visual mass
Side Extensions: Subservient, matching materials, and proportionate width
Rear Extensions: More flexibility, sometimes allowing modern designs if sympathetic to the original structure

Why it’s worth the effort

Yes, conservation area approvals can take longer and require more documentation. But they also protect your street from poor-quality development — and the right extension can enhance both your lifestyle and your property’s value.

This is particularly important in sought-after areas like Jesmond, Tynemouth, Gosforth, and Warkworth, where premium architecture and location deserve an equally premium design approach.

How we help

Our role is to manage the process from start to finish:

Researching local conservation policies specific to your area
Designing with both your lifestyle and architectural heritage in mind
Preparing and submitting applications with the right level of detail
Liaising with planning officers and, where needed, collaborating with local architects and consultants

Your role is simple:

Share your budget
Explain how you live now and what you want from your home
Tell us your style and preferences

We’ll take it from there.

Thinking About Extending in a Conservation Area?

Contact Acre Design for a free consultation and discover how we can deliver your dream space while protecting the character of your home in Tynemouth, Jesmond, Hexham, Alnwick, Corbridge, or anywhere across the North East.

If you’ve never taken on a major home project before, it can be hard to know exactly what’s included — and, just as importantly, what isn’t. Like many professions, there’s a huge difference between the bare minimum service and a fully managed, high-quality experience.

At Acre Design, we often meet homeowners who assumed “getting plans drawn” was all they needed, only to find themselves overwhelmed once the real work of planning, budgeting, approvals, and construction began. Your choice of service will shape not only the quality of your finished home but also how smooth — or stressful — the journey is to get there.

The Home Design Services Spectrum

The “Basic Plans” Approach

At one end of the scale, you’ll find the low-cost, plan-only service. Often a one-person operation, these providers offer just enough drawings to get planning approval and building control sign-off, then leave you to manage everything else.

You might get:

A site visit and manual measurements
Simple 2D CAD drawings of existing and proposed layouts
A single concept sketch based on your initial conversation
Minimal detailing and no moodboards or visualisations
Reactive rather than strategic revisions
Basic building control drawings with generic specifications

Pros:

Lower upfront fees
Works for small, simple projects if you know exactly what you want

Cons:

Limited creative input or problem-solving
Plans often lack detail, leading to confusion on site
No proactive budgeting or cost control
Higher risk of delays, unexpected costs, or missed opportunities

The specialist turnkey architectural design service

At the other end is the specialist, full-service architectural design practice — like Acre Design. This is a premium, fully managed approach for homeowners making a major investment in their property and wanting the process handled from concept to completion.

It’s worth noting that while some homeowners think they must appoint an architect, what most projects actually require is expertise in architectural design, planning, and project delivery. Acre Design provide exactly that. And where specialist input is needed — from structural engineers, heritage consultants, or even architects on specific aspects — we coordinate everything seamlessly.

Here’s what you can expect:

Preparation & Briefing

Laser-accurate point-cloud survey for precise measurements
Detailed 3D model of your home as a base for design
Multiple layout options, zoning ideas, and feasibility studies
Early-stage budget guidance to align expectations
Curated moodboards for interior and exterior design inspiration
Analysis of site context, natural light, and views from the start

Concept Design

Several creative design options, with clear pros and cons
Full 3D visualisations and walkthroughs so you can “experience” the space before committing
Early detailing of materials and architectural features
Designs tailored to your lifestyle, taste, and likely build cost

Developed Design & Planning

Comprehensive planning reports to support approval
Coordination with planning officers and specialist consultants (e.g. heritage, ecology)
Accurate build cost estimates before submission
Designs optimised for both aesthetics and buildability

Technical Design & Build Support

Fully coordinated, dimensioned construction drawing set
Integrated input from structural, drainage, and energy specialists
Detailed specification and tailored schedule of works
Kitchen, bathroom, lighting, and ceiling layouts included
Tender management with trusted contractors for accurate, like-for-like pricing
Contract administration to keep the build on track and budget in check

Why the specialist approach matters

For high-value homes and complex projects, the difference in service can mean the difference between a stressful, budget-busting build and a smooth, rewarding experience.

With Acre Design, you’re supported by an entire team — technicians, designers, and project managers — all working to a proven process to deliver your vision while protecting your time, budget, and peace of mind.

Basic providers may offer a lower starting price, but they cannot match the depth of service, foresight, and risk management that a specialist team delivers. If you’re planning a major extension, renovation, or conversion, the real question isn’t “What does it cost?” — it’s “What’s included?”

Thinking about a major house extension or home renovation project?

Let’s talk about how Acre Design can manage every stage for you, from first sketch to final handover. Whether you’re weighing up between an architect or an architectural designer, we’ll show you what’s really needed to achieve a home you’ll love.

Many of our clients come to us with the same dilemma: They love their home, they love the area—but the space no longer supports how they want to live.

That was exactly the situation in my own family. We live in a solid 1950s home in Dinnington. Great neighbourhood, excellent schools, easy access to the countryside—it ticked all the boxes. But with two growing children, we were starting to outgrow it. Like many households, we had an old conservatory that was underused and no longer fit for purpose.

We replaced it with a carefully considered extension that opens out from the kitchen and flows naturally into the garden. It’s a beautifully resolved space, bright, functional, and thoughtfully designed to improve everyday living.

The result? Genuinely transformative.

There’s now room to cook, relax, entertain and enjoy family life—without compromise. It’s comfortable, calm, and connected to the rest of the house in a way the old layout simply didn’t allow. On a practical level, we no longer feel squeezed. On a personal level, it’s a joy to spend time in.

Most importantly, we’re no longer thinking about moving. We’ve made our home work for the next chapter of our lives.

Why This Matters to You

If you’re starting to feel that your home no longer fits your lifestyle, an extension can do more than just add square footage—it can restore balance, create flow, and improve the way you live every day.

We work with homeowners across Newcastle, Northumberland and the wider Northeast who are looking to make a lasting investment in their homes. Whether you’re interested in reworking your ground floor layout, creating an open-plan kitchen-living space, or future-proofing your home with single-storey living, we can help you explore what’s possible—with clarity and confidence.

At Acre Design, we specialise in high-quality residential extensions that blend architectural integrity with practical needs. Our team guides you from initial concept through to planning, tendering and build, with experience, attention to detail, and full transparency at every step.

Planning Ahead

Design, planning and contractor availability all take time, so early preparation leads to better outcomes.

Whether you’re ready to begin or just gathering ideas, we’d love to hear from you. You can let us know where you are in the process by filling out the short form below. We’ll use your feedback to make sure our advice and updates are as useful as possible.

Our clients in North Shields had recently purchased a contemporary townhouse — a home spread across three levels with a non-traditional layout. While the property offered breathtaking views of the River Tyne from the first-floor living area, it also presented daily challenges. The kitchen was located on the ground floor, meaning constant trips up and down stairs whenever family and friends gathered for meals.

They came to Acre Design with a clear request: to make their home more practical without losing the beauty of its design.

A design solution focused on lifestyle

Our proposal was a single-storey rear extension at entrance level, designed to create a generous dining and entertaining space directly connected to the kitchen. To preserve light and openness, we introduced a striking lantern glass roof, keeping the structure visually elegant while maintaining a discreet overall height. This ensured the design complemented the home, avoided overshadowing neighbouring properties, and kept planning straightforward.

Transforming the flow of family life

The result will be a home that feels more intuitive, where daily routines no longer involve navigating unnecessary stairs. The new space creates a hub for entertaining, allowing family and friends to cook, dine, and socialise together on the same level. It’s a simple but transformative change, one that improves the way the property works for its owners while enhancing its long-term value.

For our clients, this extension is not just an addition; it’s a rethinking of how their home supports the way they live, day to day.

Our clients in Seaburn, Sunderland, recently acquired a tired semi-detached house that hadn’t been updated for decades. Despite its condition, the property offered something truly rare — a front elevation that looks directly out to the North Sea. With this comes both opportunity and challenge: an unrivalled view paired with the need to protect against the elements.

They came to Acre Design with a clear wish list of lifestyle spaces — an open-plan kitchen and dining area, a cinema room, a gym, and, most importantly, a way to maximise those spectacular sea views. Our role was to take that vision and create a home that not only delivered it but also felt considered, elegant, and in harmony with the streetscape.

A design shaped by views, lifestyle, and legacy

Our solution was to extend to the side, the rear, and into the loft, carefully balancing practicality with architectural impact. By echoing the form of the existing turret and peaked gables, the new design respects the area’s character while bringing the home into the 21st century.

At the heart of the scheme is light-filled, open-plan living, designed for entertaining family and friends. Upstairs, balconies on both the first and second floors ensure the sea becomes part of daily life, whether enjoying a morning coffee, hosting sundowners, or simply watching the horizon. Private leisure spaces, including a home gym and a cinema room, create a home that is not only functional but also a retreat tailored to our clients’ lifestyle.

A home to enjoy for decades to come

This project is a perfect example of what many of our clients in the North East are seeking: a home that enhances quality of life now while creating a lasting family legacy. With only minor adjustments, the design was approved for submission to the local planning department — a smooth process backed by our expertise in balancing ambition with approvals.

For our clients, the result is more than an extension. It’s the transformation of a forgotten house into a forever home, perfectly suited for the next chapter of their lives.

In Cullercoats, North Tyneside, our clients approached Acre Design with the ambition of creating a home that better reflected their lifestyle. The brief was clear: to maximise space, improve flow, and design a light-filled open plan area that would bring family and friends together.

The design vision

Our solution combined a garage conversion with a full-length single-storey rear extension, uniting the two elements to create a striking open-plan kitchen, dining, and living space. Internally, carefully considered wall removals were introduced to enhance connectivity and deliver the sense of scale and openness our clients desired.

A home for living and entertaining

The result is a home designed for both family life and entertaining. With generous proportions, natural light, and a seamless connection between indoors and out, the property now offers an inspiring space for cooking, dining, and gathering.

Designed around the client

Our clients were delighted with the initial concept and required only minimal refinements before the plans were finalised — a testament to the collaborative design process and the clarity of their vision brought to life through our expertise.

Ready to unlock the potential of your home?

If you’re considering a garage conversion, extension, or full renovation project in Cullercoats, North Tyneside, or across the North East, Acre Design can help you transform your property into a home designed around your lifestyle. Contact us today to arrange a consultation and take the first step towards your own bespoke design.

Creating an open plan living space is a great way to maximize the use of available space, while giving the home a cohesive style. When designing your open space, it’s important to consider elements like scale, flow, and texture to ensure that the end result is both aesthetically pleasing and comfortable.

Identify the Type of Space

Before designing your open plan space, it is important to identify which type of space you need. Ask yourself questions like what type of activities or gatherings will be taking place in the room. Will it be an area used for entertaining? If so, will there be a designated dining area? Once you have identified the types of activities that will take place in the space, you can begin to consider how to create an environment conducive to them.

Form Follows Function

Function should be the driving design force behind any plan for an open space. The goal should be to create a functional layout that maximizes all available space for each activity. This can include anything from properly designed counter top space or seating arrangements to implementing natural light sources or movement patterns when needed. It is important to consider how the activities within each space will interact with one another so that each element has its own purpose, but still interacts with the rest of the environment in harmony.

Set a Design Theme

When designing an open plan space, it is essential to establish a design theme that can carry throughout the whole area. This allows all elements of the plan to fit together seamlessly and also helps create a focal point in each area. Factors such as colour, texture, pattern and light will all help determine your overall theme. Utilize textures or finishes that both border and contrast with one another depending on what activity is occurring within each space for a stylish finish.

Think About How You Will Use the Space

As with all rooms, it is important to consider use when designing an open plan space. Think about which activities and events you generally take part in and which areas need to be blocked off for these activities. This will help inform your overall design as it will help define the area for each event or activity. For example, you may wish to include comfortable seating areas for relaxing and family time, as well as plenty of storage solutions to create a clutter-free environment. One of our clients recently shared with us how glad she was that she encorporated a second dishwasher. Christmas is now that bit tidier and less stressful because of this detail! We always like to remind clients about the bins – a hidden bin and recycling area can transform the feel of a space.

Incorporate Flexible Solutions

When designing an open plan space, flexibility should be a priority. Incorporate furniture that can serve different purposes easily. This could mean buying modular or multi-functional furniture such as day beds, which can double as sofas for extra seating when needed. Similarly, use rugs to create distinct zones within the same open floor plan and move them around according to your needs. With a flexible layout and design, you can turn your open plan space into different atmospheres for working, relaxing or entertaining guests at a moment’s notice.

Think About How You Will Use the Space

If you love your home but need more space, working with Acre Design to extend it can be a smarter and more rewarding choice than moving. We help homeowners across Northumberland, North Tyneside and Newcastle upon Tyne design high-quality extensions that not only add space, but also improve how the home flows, feels and functions. With the right design, you can stay in the location you love, while creating a home that better supports the way you want to live.

Here are some of the most popular types of extensions we design for clients in the region, along with the benefits of each approach.

Loft Conversions

A loft conversion is a practical way to create an additional bedroom, home office, or dedicated hobby space. This type of extension makes use of underused roof space and can add significant flexibility to your home without altering the footprint. With the right design, a converted loft can feel every bit as integrated and comfortable as the rest of the house.

Ground Floor Extensions

Extending at ground level can dramatically enhance the way you use your home. Whether you are opening up the rear of the house for an open plan kitchen and living area, creating a ground floor guest suite, or introducing a more connected indoor–outdoor lifestyle, this type of extension is ideal for families and those planning for long-term comfort and accessibility.

Side and Two Storey Extensions

Side and double storey extensions offer excellent potential for improving both ground and first floor layouts. They are often used to create additional bedrooms, bathrooms, utility spaces, or home offices, while reconfiguring existing areas to improve flow. These extensions work especially well on properties with unused side access, garage structures, or generous plots, and can provide a seamless continuation of your home’s existing architecture.

Start planning with Acre Design

Extending your home is a significant project, but with the right team, it can be an enjoyable and rewarding journey. At Acre Design, we help homeowners across Northumberland, Newcastle and North Tyneside reimagine their space with creativity, clarity and care.

Thinking about extending your home? Book a free call with Acre Design today and take the first step towards creating a space that truly works for the way you live.

A well-built timber frame extension can transform the way you live, adding light, space, and value to your home. But the quality of the result depends heavily on the builder you choose.
If you live in Newcastle upon Tyne, Northumberland, or North Tyneside — and are planning a significant investment in your property — here are five expert tips to help you select a builder who can deliver to the highest standards.

1. Research Beyond the Basics

Don’t just pick the first name from a search result. Start by looking at local timber frame specialists who have a proven track record with projects of a similar size and complexity to yours. Ask trusted friends or neighbours for recommendations, then review online feedback carefully — paying attention to consistency over time. Membership of recognised trade associations such as the Federation of Master Builders or National Federation of Builders is a good sign of professionalism.

2. Review Their Portfolio with a Critical Eye

A strong portfolio should show not just attractive finishes, but evidence of sound construction, attention to detail, and consistent quality across multiple projects. Ask to see examples of timber frame extensions similar to yours in scale and style — ideally in person, not just in photos. Look for work that integrates seamlessly with existing homes, especially in older or character properties.

3. Ask About Their Quality Assurance Process

A reputable builder will be able to explain how they maintain standards throughout the build. This should include staged inspections, documented checks, and a clear process for resolving issues. Ask whether they offer a written warranty on workmanship — a sign that they stand behind the quality of their build long after completion.

4. Read Every Detail of the Quotation

High-quality timber frame extensions require premium materials and skilled labour — and this should be reflected in a clear, detailed quotation. Beware of vague or incomplete quotes that leave too much open to “extras.” Clarify exactly what is and isn’t included, and confirm that materials meet the specifications your design calls for.

5. Check Qualifications and Insurance

Every contractor and subcontractor on site should hold up-to-date trade qualifications, with evidence available for you to review. Insurance cover — including public liability — is essential for protecting you and your investment. Don’t be afraid to ask for proof before work begins.

Need Trusted Recommendations?

At Acre Design Newcastle, we’ve spent years working alongside some of the best timber frame extension builders in the North East — from Newcastle and North Tyneside to Northumberland’s rural villages. We know which teams consistently deliver, and which to avoid.

Book an “Ask the Expert” call today, and we’ll guide you through choosing the right builder for your project, ensuring your investment is in safe, capable hands.

If you’ve been thinking about extending your kitchen to create more space, better light, or simply a layout that works for how you live now, we can take care of the entire process from start to finish.

Whether you’ve just moved into a property that needs adapting, or you’re looking to improve the home you already love, a well-designed kitchen extension can completely transform both the space and your day-to-day comfort.

At Acre Design, we don’t just design extensions, we manage the full journey. From the first idea to planning approval, technical drawings and coordination with trusted builders, we handle it all. So you don’t have to.

Designed around your lifestyle

We start by understanding how you want the space to feel and function. Do you want a quiet, comfortable kitchen to cook in without clutter? Or something more open, with room to entertain, enjoy the garden, or dine with friends?

We listen, advise, and develop thoughtful, bespoke layouts that suit your home and your lifestyle. Every design we create is tailored — no templates, no guesswork.

Let us handle all the moving parts

Acre Design brings together everything you need under one roof:

Concept and layout design
Planning applications and local authority liaison
Building regulations and structural engineering
Technical drawings for builders
Recommendations for contractors and coordination through to build

You don’t need to deal with multiple consultants or chase up planning paperwork — we take care of it, efficiently and professionally.

Planning permission? Leave it to us

Planning rules vary from one street to the next. What’s approved for your neighbour may not apply to your home, especially if you’re in a conservation area or own a period property.

We deal with planning teams across the Northeast every day and understand what’s likely to be accepted. We’ll handle all communication and submissions on your behalf and give you the best possible chance of smooth approval.

Build-ready plans that avoid surprises

One of the biggest frustrations in home projects is when costs rise during the build. It often comes down to incomplete drawings or vague decisions left until the last minute. We don’t work that way. Every Acre Design project includes a full set of build-ready technical drawings, designed to give you clarity and your builder confidence. The result is a smoother build with fewer surprises and no last-minute compromises.

Built-in flexibility, with expert guidance

Many of our clients want quality without having to micromanage every detail. That’s where our experience comes in. We’ll help you understand what’s possible within your budget, present you with options, and guide you through any decisions, whether it’s where to place lighting, how to configure an island, or which materials will stand the test of time.

Need space for a range cooker? Prefer warm, natural light? Want to explore more sustainable heating options? We’ll handle the detail and give you clear recommendations at every stage.

Made for older homes

Much of our work is with Victorian, Edwardian and mid-century properties, often with small kitchens, awkward layouts, or limited natural light. We know how to design extensions that feel at home with the existing architecture while significantly improving how the space works. That might mean a clean-lined modern contrast, or a seamless match with the original style. Either way, we’ll guide the design to suit your home and taste.

Peace of mind, from start to finish

When you work with Acre Design, you’re not just hiring someone to draw a floorplan — you’re partnering with a team that manages the whole process. You’ll always know what’s happening and what comes next.

We believe good design should make life easier, not more complicated. And that applies as much to the process as the finished space.

Ready to create a better kitchen?

We’d love to help you create a space that’s calm, well-planned, and made for the way you live, without the stress of managing it all yourself.

Get in touch to arrange your free consultation and find out how Acre Design can deliver your kitchen extension, fully managed, from concept to completion.