Covering Tyne and Wear
Our coverage across Tyne and Wear includes Newcastle upon Tyne, Sunderland, South Shields and Gateshead.
Homes in the North East
In the North East, terraces, semis and bungalows all offer room to extend, with stone-built villages and conservation areas in parts of County Durham and Northumberland.
What is a side return extension?
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.
- Structural steel to remove the side wall
- Underfloor heating ready screed if wanted
- Plastering and making good to the old house
How much should I budget for a side return extension?
Guide prices for side return extensions, including VAT where it applies. Your fixed price is confirmed in writing after the survey.
| 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 Tyne and Wear?
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 can affect a side return extension?
- 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.
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.
- Survey at your house. We look at the existing structure, services and access, and agree what the design needs to achieve.
- 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.
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 Tyne and Wear?
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 Tyne and Wear
- Side return extensions in Newcastle upon Tyne
- Side return extensions in Sunderland
- Side return extensions in South Shields
- Side return extensions in Gateshead
- Side return extensions in Washington
- Side return extensions in Tynemouth
- Side return extensions in Wallsend
- Side return extensions in Newburn
- Side return extensions in North Shields
- Side return extensions in Whitley Bay
- Side return extensions in Houghton-le-Spring
- Side return extensions in Felling
- Side return extensions in Jarrow
- Side return extensions in Gosforth
- Side return extensions in Hebburn
Learn more about side return extensions, or see every project we cover in Tyne and Wear.

