Side return extensions in Leeds

Covering Leeds

Alongside Leeds, we also cover Morley (4 miles to the south-west), Pudsey and Batley.

Homes in Yorkshire and the Humber

Yorkshire has a strong mix of stone terraces, red-brick semis and modern estates, plus conservation areas in many historic towns and villages.

What is included in a side return extension in Leeds?

Side returns are small in area but heavy in detail: party walls, a glazed roof, and steelwork to take out the original back wall. We design the roof for light and drainage, agree the party wall process early, and keep the work tidy because access is often through the house.

Glazed or solid roof with rooflights
Underfloor heating ready screed if wanted
Plastering and making good to the old house

How much does a side return extension cost in Leeds?

Indicative costs for side return extensions. London and the South East usually sit towards the top of each range.

Side return extensions	Guide price incl. VAT
Standard specification	£3,350 to £3,700 per m²
Good specification	£3,700 to £4,150 per m²
High specification	£4,150 to £4,550 per m²

How is a side return extension approved in Leeds?

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.

In England a single-storey rear extension can often go ahead under permitted development: up to 3 m deep on an attached house or 4 m on a detached one, no higher than 4 m, with eaves no higher than 3 m within 2 m of a boundary. Deeper extensions, up to 6 m or 8 m, need prior approval from the council first.

What should I think about before starting?

Most side returns touch a shared boundary, so the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 usually applies in England and Wales.
Many terraces sit in conservation areas, where side extensions need planning permission.

How does the project run?

Start with a conversation. A short call or the online form is enough for us to understand what you want to build.
Free site visit. We measure up, look at access, drains and the structure, and talk through options and budget.
Design and fixed price. You get drawings and a written price for the agreed specification before anything is ordered.
We build it. Work follows an agreed programme, with inspections at each stage and a final sign-off.

Questions about a side return extension in Leeds

Does a side return need planning permission?

In England it can be permitted development if it is single storey, no higher than 4 m and no wider than half the original house. Conservation areas are the main exception.

Will I need a party wall agreement?

Most likely, because the new wall usually sits on or near the boundary. We serve the notices and work with your neighbour’s surveyor if one is appointed.

Who deals with the council for a project in Leeds?

We do. We prepare the drawings, submit planning or permitted development paperwork if needed, and arrange building control inspections.

Side return extensions near Leeds

Learn more about side return extensions, or see every project we cover in Leeds.