Side return extensions · Loughton

Side return extensions in Loughton

Planning side return extensions in Loughton? We design and build them for houses across Essex, and we fix the price for the agreed specification in writing before any building work starts.

Covering Loughton

Loughton is about 138 miles west of Chelmsford. We also cover Ludlow (7 miles to the south-west), Bridgnorth and Kidderminster.

Homes in the East of England

Across the East of England, newer estates often have integral garages and room for rear extensions, while older towns have Victorian terraces and conservation areas that shape what can be built.

What is included in a side return extension in Loughton?

A side return extension builds over the narrow passage that runs beside the back of many Victorian and Edwardian terraced houses, widening the kitchen or dining room by a metre or two. It is usually combined with a glazed or part-glazed roof so the deeper room still gets daylight.

  • Party wall notices and surveyor liaison
  • Glazed or solid roof with rooflights
  • Underfloor heating ready screed if wanted

How much does a side return extension cost in Loughton?

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

Side return extensionsGuide 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

Do you need permission for a side return extension in Loughton?

In England we deal with the council’s planning team for permission or a lawful development certificate, with building control (the council or a registered building control approver) for inspections, and with neighbours under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 where it 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.

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.
  • Glazed roofs need careful detailing against the neighbour’s wall.

What happens after I enquire?

  1. Send us the details. Give us a postcode, a rough idea of size and some photos, by phone, form or the guide price tool.
  2. Survey at your house. We look at the existing structure, services and access, and agree what the design needs to achieve.
  3. Drawings, approvals, written quote. We prepare the design, apply for the approvals it needs, and give you a fixed price in writing.
  4. Construction and completion. One site lead co-ordinates every trade through to the building control certificate.

Side return extensions: common questions

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.

Is a glazed roof too hot in summer?

Modern solar-control glass and a mix of glazed and solid roof keep it comfortable. We advise on the balance during design.

Do you work in Loughton?

Yes. Loughton is within our coverage for side return extensions, along with nearby Ludlow and Bridgnorth.

Other towns nearby

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

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