Where Space Demands Substance

Totteridge is not about volume. It’s about quality. Tucked between the Green Belt and suburban North London, this is where serious architecture meets calm restraint.

From private estates off Totteridge Lane to backland plots with rural boundaries, this area calls for careful, intelligent design. Planning here is rarely simple — with Green Belt policies, tree protection, and Conservation Area overlays often layered across a single site.

At DOR Architects, we specialise in exactly this. Whether you’re replacing a tired 1960s house, adding a discreet pool house, or securing permission for a new dwelling on open land, we bring elegance, strategy and delivery experience from day one.

“The first meeting in Totteridge was a walk through a garden longer than some London streets. The client said: ‘We don’t want a mansion. We want something modest — but meaningful.’”

Where We Work in Totteridge

We design and deliver projects across N20, including:

  • Totteridge Lane & Totteridge Village: Replacement dwellings, high-end extensions and heritage-sensitive reconfigurations

  • Highwood Hill & Laurel Way: Green Belt schemes with access, ecology and landscaping constraints

  • Woodside Park fringe & Barnet Lane: Side and rear extensions, annexes, and home upgrades

  • Large garden plots and gated estates: One-off new builds and landscape-integrated architectural interventions

We are familiar with Barnet Council’s planning processes and the extra layers required for Totteridge’s rural and semi-rural zoning.

See other areas we work in

Planning in Totteridge: Key Considerations

Totteridge is heavily constrained by planning policy — and rightly so. The quality of its setting demands design that enhances, not detracts.

You’ll often be dealing with:

  • Green Belt controls, including volume tests and “Very Special Circumstances”

  • Conservation Area restrictions in Totteridge Village

  • Tree Protection Orders (TPOs) for mature boundary planting

  • Backland and curtilage subdivision resistance

  • Height, bulk and visual impact scrutiny from both officers and neighbours

We prepare persuasive, policy-aligned applications supported by 3D visuals, precedent studies, and clear written justification — all tailored to the sensitivities of the area.

Visit Barnet's Planning Portal

Why Choose DOR Architects in Totteridge?

Because we know how to design for ambition — without drawing unnecessary attention. We bring:

  • Elegant, understated design that sits comfortably in rural and large-plot settings

  • Planning expertise in Green Belt, Conservation and large residential schemes

  • 3D BIM design for clear communication with clients and councils

  • Buildable, detailed proposals with coordination from landscape to lighting

  • Discreet service tailored to private, high-value clients and developers alike

We don’t just draw beautiful buildings — we help you realise them, smoothly and strategically.

Our Process

  1. Feasibility & Site Review
    We assess the viability of extensions, replacements or new builds — considering access, planning history and policy tests.

  2. Planning & Trust Applications
    We prepare full submissions with visuals, statements, and consultant input where needed (e.g. ecology, trees, transport).

  3. Technical Design
    Everything drawn with precision — from structural coordination to bespoke finishes.

  4. Construction Support
    We remain involved on site — from groundwork to handover — ensuring design vision is realised.

How we can help

Let’s Talk About Your Totteridge Project

Whether you’re replacing a family home or building your dream property from scratch, we’ll help you design something timeless — and get it through planning.

We bring clarity, elegance and quiet confidence to every Totteridge project.

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* This page is intended for general guidance and does not constitute professional advice. Always consult a qualified architect or planner before making design or development decisions.

FAQs – Totteridge Architecture & Planning

It’s difficult — but not impossible. Certain categories of development are allowed, including replacement dwellings and limited infill. We can help assess feasibility and craft a strong planning case.

Yes, especially in the Green Belt or a Conservation Area. Volume, massing and siting are all tightly controlled — we’ll advise early and clearly.

Absolutely. Many Totteridge projects involve large gardens or visual screening. We coordinate landscape architects and arboricultural input to support both planning and design success.

Yes. We assist with site optimisation, plot reconfiguration, and full-service delivery for premium developer-led schemes — always with planning success and resale value in mind.

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