Side return extensions in Tonbridge

Covering Tonbridge

Tonbridge sits 12 miles south-west of Maidstone, with Tunbridge Wells 4 miles to the south and Sevenoaks 6 miles to the north-west.

Homes in the South East

Housing across the South East mixes inter-war semis, post-war estates and older cottages in villages and market towns, so rear and side extensions, hip-to-gable lofts and garage conversions all come up regularly.

What is included in a side return extension in Tonbridge?

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
Drainage and new gully positions

What will a side return extension cost?

Typical ranges for side return extensions. Ground conditions, access and specification move the final figure, which we fix in writing before work starts.

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

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

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 Tonbridge homeowners check first?

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.

What happens after I enquire?

Tell us about the project. Call, use the guide price tool or send the form with a few photos and a postcode.
Survey at your house. We look at the existing structure, services and access, and agree what the design needs to achieve.
Design and fixed price. You get drawings and a written price for the agreed specification before anything is ordered.
Construction and completion. One site lead co-ordinates every trade through to the building control certificate.

Your questions answered

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.

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.

How do I get a price for side return extensions in Tonbridge?

Use the guide price tool for a ballpark figure, then book a visit for a fixed written price for the agreed specification.

Side return extensions near Tonbridge

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