Conversion to 3 flats with rear extension: 2 Mason Street, Reading

From house to flats

2 Mason Street is a house in central Reading that the owner wanted to convert into three self contained flats. Flat conversions in Reading are assessed under Local Plan policy H8 and the Residential Conversions SPD adopted in 2023, which set expectations for room sizes, amenity space, refuse and cycle storage.

Extension to make it work

A part two storey, part single storey rear extension provides the extra floor area needed for three properly sized flats. The extension steps down from two storeys to one so that its impact on the neighbours' light and outlook is reduced, and brick and roof tiles match the existing house. Internal alterations reorganise the stair and entrances so each flat has its own front door.

Meeting the standards

Each flat was laid out and checked against the nationally described space standards, with bedroom and living room sizes shown on the plans. The site plan shows shared amenity space, refuse storage and cycle parking, which the council checks closely on every conversion.

Drawings

The submission included elevations, roof plan, floor plans for each level and a site plan with bins and cycles, along with a space standards check. Getting these practical details right at the outset avoids the most common reasons for conversions being refused or delayed.

The extension's profile

Stepping a rear extension from two storeys down to one is a technique we use often on Reading's terraced and semi detached houses. The two storey part provides the extra rooms that make the flats viable, while the single storey part extends further without taking light from the neighbour's rear windows. It is usually the difference between a scheme that passes the 45 degree test and one that does not.

Fire safety and sound

Flat conversions must also meet building regulations for fire separation and sound insulation between flats. Although these are dealt with after planning, we arranged the layout so that rooms stack sensibly, with bedrooms over bedrooms and kitchens over kitchens, which makes the regulations easier to meet.

Before you convert

Conversions to flats need careful checks of the size of the original house, the parking position and any Article 4 directions. We can advise whether a site is suitable before drawings are prepared.

Bins and cycles

Reading checks refuse and cycle storage carefully on every conversion, because overflowing bins on the pavement are a common complaint. The site plan shows a dedicated store for each, close to the street but screened.