Side return extensions in Walkden

Covering Walkden

Walkden sits 7 miles west of Manchester, with Farnworth 2 miles to the north and Swinton 2 miles to the south-east.

Homes in the North West

The North West has long rows of Victorian terraced houses in its towns and cities, alongside inter-war semis and post-war estates, so rear extensions, dormer lofts and kitchen extensions are common projects.

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.

Party wall notices and surveyor liaison
Structural steel to remove the side wall
Drainage and new gully positions

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

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

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 affect a side return extension?

Access is often through the house, so we plan deliveries and protect floors.
Glazed roofs need careful detailing against the neighbour’s wall.

What are the steps?

Tell us about the project. Call, use the guide price tool or send the form with a few photos and a postcode.
Free site visit. We measure up, look at access, drains and the structure, and talk through options and budget.
Drawings, approvals, written quote. We prepare the design, apply for the approvals it needs, and give you a fixed price in writing.
We build it. Work follows an agreed programme, with inspections at each stage and a final sign-off.

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.

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

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 in nearby towns

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