Side return extensions in Shepherd's Bush

Covering Shepherd's Bush

Alongside Shepherd's Bush, we also cover Notting Hill, Chiswick (2 miles to the south-west) and Fulham.

Homes in London

Much of London’s housing is Victorian and Edwardian terraces, which is why side return extensions, rear dormers and mansards are so common. Many streets are in conservation areas, and several boroughs use Article 4 directions that remove some permitted development rights.

What do you get with a side return extension?

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.

Glazed or solid roof with rooflights
Drainage and new gully positions
Underfloor heating ready screed if wanted

How much should I budget for a side return extension?

What side return extensions typically cost. These are guide ranges; the written quote for your house replaces them.

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 Shepherd's Bush?

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 can change the price or programme?

Glazed roofs need careful detailing against the neighbour’s wall.
Many terraces sit in conservation areas, where side extensions need planning permission.

What happens after I enquire?

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.
Price and paperwork. The design is priced line by line, and we submit the planning and building control applications.
Build and hand over. Our teams build to the programme, building control inspects, and you get the completion paperwork at the end.

Questions about a side return extension in Shepherd's Bush

How much does a side return extension cost?

Usually about £3,350 to £4,550 per square metre including VAT, which works out at around £35,000 to £55,000 for a typical side return before the kitchen.

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 Shepherd's Bush?

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

Side return extensions near Shepherd's Bush

Learn more about side return extensions, or see every project we cover in Shepherd's Bush.