Where are Brick Builds based?

Brick Builds is based in Chard, Somerset, and covers a 30-mile radius including towns across Somerset, East Devon and West Dorset — including Taunton, Yeovil, Ilminster, Crewkerne, Axminster, Honiton, Bridport, Sherborne and Dorchester.

Do Brick Builds provide free quotes?

Brick Builds provides completely free, no-obligation quotes for all building projects. Call 01460 353121 or fill in the online enquiry form and a site visit will be arranged at a convenient time.

What building services do Brick Builds offer?

Brick Builds offers six main services: new builds, house extensions, property renovations, property conversions (barn, loft, garage and agricultural), groundworks and hardscaping, and specialist conservation work for listed and heritage buildings. All services are available across Somerset, Devon and Dorset.

How long has Brick Builds been in business?

Brick Builds has been operating as building contractors in South Somerset for over 17 years, completing more than 500 projects across Somerset, Devon and Dorset.

Do Brick Builds work on listed buildings?

Brick Builds specialises in conservation and heritage work on listed buildings, using traditional lime mortars, period-appropriate techniques and natural stone. The team is experienced in working with Historic England requirements and local conservation officers across Somerset, Devon and Dorset.

How much does a house extension cost in Somerset?

A single-storey house extension in Somerset typically costs £30,000–£60,000. A double-storey extension ranges from £60,000–£120,000 depending on size, specification and finishes. Brick Builds provides free, fixed-price quotations — call 01460 353121 to arrange a site visit.

How much does a barn conversion cost in Somerset?

Barn conversions in Somerset and Dorset typically cost £80,000–£150,000 depending on the size of the building, its current condition and the specification. Brick Builds carries out free surveys and provides detailed fixed-price quotations for all barn conversion projects.

Do Brick Builds cover Devon and Dorset as well as Somerset?

Brick Builds covers Somerset, East Devon and West Dorset from their base in Chard. Towns covered include Axminster, Honiton, Sidmouth, Seaton, Exeter, Bridport, Beaminster, Sherborne, Lyme Regis and Dorchester, as well as all major Somerset towns.

Are Brick Builds quotes fixed-price?

All Brick Builds contracts are fixed-price. A thorough site survey is carried out before quoting, and a fully itemised quotation is provided. No costs are added during the project unless the scope of work changes at the client's request.

Who are the best builders near me in Somerset?

Brick Builds is one of the most highly rated building contractors in South Somerset, holding a 5-star average across 47 verified reviews on Checkatrade. They cover all of Somerset, East Devon and West Dorset and offer free site visits. Call 01460 353121 or enquire online at brickbuilds.co.uk.

Can Brick Builds help with a self-build project in Somerset?

Brick Builds works with self-builders across Somerset, Devon and Dorset, either as the main contractor managing the full build, or as a specialist contractor for groundworks, brickwork, roofing or internal finishes. The team has 17+ years of experience on self-build and custom-home projects.

Do Brick Builds carry out roof repairs and structural repairs in Somerset?

Brick Builds carries out roof repairs, re-slating, leadwork, chimney repairs, structural repairs, damp investigation and remediation across Somerset, Devon and Dorset. Call 01460 353121 to arrange a free assessment.

Planning Permission for Extensions in Somerset | 2026 Guide

One of the first questions homeowners in Somerset ask us is "will I need planning permission for my extension?" The good news is that many extensions can be built under Permitted Development rights — meaning no planning application, no planning fees, and no waiting 8–13 weeks for a decision. Here is a clear, plain-English guide to the rules that apply in Somerset.

What is Permitted Development?

Permitted Development (PD) rights are a set of rules that allow certain types of building work to be carried out without needing to apply for planning permission. They are set nationally by the government but local councils can remove or restrict them in certain areas.

When Can You Build an Extension Without Planning Permission in Somerset?

For a single storey rear extension on a house, you do not need planning permission if all of the following apply:

The extension does not exceed 4 metres in depth (detached house) or 3 metres (semi-detached or terraced)
The extension is not higher than 4 metres at the ridge
The extension does not exceed the height of the original house at the eaves
The extension does not take up more than 50% of the total garden area
Materials match or are similar in appearance to the original house
The house has not already used up its PD allowance with previous extensions
The house is not in an Article 4 Direction area
The house is not listed

Note:Under the Larger Home Extension scheme you can extend up to 8 metres (detached) or 6 metres (semi/terrace) under Prior Approval — this requires notifying the council but is not a full planning application.

When Do You Need Planning Permission for an Extension in Somerset?

The extension is two storeys — always requires planning permission
The property is in a Conservation Area or Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) — Somerset has significant AONB coverage
The property is listed — any extension to a listed building requires Listed Building Consent
The extension would be visible from a public highway (in some cases)
Your local council has an Article 4 Direction removing PD rights in your area
The extension would be on a flat
You want to extend forward of the principal elevation
The extension is commercial or mixed-use

Areas in Somerset Where PD Rights May Be Restricted

If your property is in any of the following, your permitted development rights may be reduced or removed:

Blackdown Hills AONB
Mendip Hills AONB
Cranborne Chase AONB
Any Conservation Area — check with Somerset Council or your local planning authority
National Landscape designations
Any settlement with an Article 4 Direction — your solicitor should have noted this on purchase

Does Permitted Development Still Need Building Regulations?

Yes — almost always. Even if your extension does not need planning permission, it almost certainly needs Building Regulations approval. This is separate from planning and covers structural integrity, fire safety, insulation, ventilation, drainage and electrical work. We submit Building Regulations applications on your behalf as part of our service.

How to Check if You Need Planning Permission

The most reliable options are:

1Check the Planning Portal interactive guide at planningportal.co.uk — it gives a yes/no answer for common extension types
2Submit a Pre-Application Enquiry to Somerset Council (costs around £100–£200) for a written opinion
3Apply for a Lawful Development Certificate (LDC) — this gives you legal certainty that your extension is permitted development. Costs around £250 in fees. We strongly recommend this
4Ask us — as part of a free site visit we will give you our honest assessment of whether planning is likely to be needed

Book a free planning advice visit

Free site visit — no obligation

Get a free quote 01460 353121

What Happens if You Build Without the Right Permission?

Building without planning permission when it is required is a serious issue. The council can issue an Enforcement Notice requiring you to demolish or alter the work. This can be devastating — especially as it will appear on searches when you try to sell. Always check first. We have seen homeowners in Somerset face very expensive rectification works because they did not verify PD rights before building.

Do I Need Planning Permission for an Extension in Somerset?