Covering Pitsea
Pitsea is about 12 miles south of Chelmsford. We also cover Basildon (2 miles to the west), South Benfleet and Wickford.
Homes in the East of England
The East of England has a large stock of post-war and modern estate housing alongside period homes in market towns, which makes garage conversions, single-storey extensions and loft conversions popular.
What does a garden annexe involve?
We design annexes as permanent buildings with proper foundations, insulation and services, and we prepare the planning case showing how the annexe will be used as part of the main home. Connections for water, drainage and power are planned from the start.
- Design and planning application
- Heating, hot water and electrics
- Accessible design options for older relatives
How much should I budget for a garden annexe?
Indicative costs for garden annexes. London and the South East usually sit towards the top of each range.
| Garden annexes | Guide price incl. VAT |
|---|---|
| Standard specification | £2,400 to £2,900 per m² |
| Good specification | £2,900 to £3,400 per m² |
| High specification | £3,400 to £3,900 per m² |
Planning and building rules in Pitsea
Projects in England go through two separate checks. Planning (or confirmation that the work is permitted development) comes from the district, borough or unitary council, and building regulations approval comes from the council’s building control team or a registered building control approver. Where work touches a shared wall or digs near a neighbour’s foundations, the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 applies.
A self-contained annexe used for sleeping and living normally needs planning permission in England.
What can affect a garden annexe?
- The annexe normally has to remain part of the main household, not let as a separate home.
- Council tax treatment depends on who lives there; check with your council.
What are the steps?
- Send us the details. Give us a postcode, a rough idea of size and some photos, by phone, form or the guide price tool.
- We visit and measure. A surveyor checks the house, the boundaries and the ground, and discusses what is realistic.
- Price and paperwork. The design is priced line by line, and we submit the planning and building control applications.
- Construction and completion. One site lead co-ordinates every trade through to the building control certificate.
Your questions answered
Do I need planning permission for a garden annexe?
Usually yes, because people will sleep in it. Outbuilding permitted development does not cover living accommodation.
How much does a garden annexe cost?
Around £2,400 to £3,900 per square metre including VAT, depending on finish and services.
How do I get a price for garden annexes in Pitsea?
Use the guide price tool for a ballpark figure, then book a visit for a fixed written price for the agreed specification.
Garden annexes in nearby towns
- Garden annexes in Basildon
- Garden annexes in South Benfleet
- Garden annexes in Wickford
- Garden annexes in Canvey Island
Learn more about garden annexes, or see every project we cover in Pitsea.

