Edinburgh and the Lothians
Permitted development rear extensions in Edinburgh and the Lothians
Designing to the no-application limits, with a certificate of lawfulness of proposed use or development as proof. We design and build rear extensions across Edinburgh and the Lothians, from Edinburgh and Livingston to Musselburgh, covering single-storey kitchen extensions, two-storey additions, side returns and wraparounds.

Post-war semis and terraces are common around Edinburgh and the Lothians, and many have room for a single-storey rear extension within Class 1A limits.
How much does a permitted development rear extension cost in Edinburgh and the Lothians?
In Edinburgh and the Lothians, our guide for a permitted development rear extension is £1,800–£2,940 per square metre including VAT for a standard specification. Prices in Scotland sit a little below our West Midlands baseline; building warrant fees and drawings are budgeted separately.
| Size | Guide price inc VAT |
|---|---|
| 3 m wide × 4 m deep (12 m²) | £21,500–£35,500 |
| 4 m wide × 5 m deep (20 m²) | £36,000–£59,000 |
| 4 m wide × 6 m deep (24 m²) | £43,500–£70,500 |
These are guide ranges; the written quote after the survey is the figure that counts.
Do you need planning permission in Edinburgh and the Lothians?
In Scotland a single-storey rear extension can be permitted development under Class 1A: eaves no higher than 3 metres and an overall height of 4 metres, and where any part is within 1 metre of a boundary it can project no more than 3 metres on a terraced house or 4 metres on other houses. The rights do not apply in conservation areas, and a building warrant is still needed before work starts.
In Scotland an extension of more than one storey is only permitted development (Class 1B) if no part is within 10 metres of any boundary and it is no higher than the existing house, so almost every two-storey rear extension needs planning permission and a building warrant.
Classes 1A and 1B do not apply in conservation areas, and listed buildings need listed building consent.
Where in Edinburgh and the Lothians do we work?
FAQ
Questions people ask
Is permitted development the same as planning permission?
No; it is a national grant of permission for work within set limits, so no application is needed.
Do I still need Building Regulations?
Yes, always.
How long does a certificate of lawfulness of proposed use or development take?
Councils should decide within 8 weeks.
Do you cover all of Edinburgh and the Lothians?
We cover 14 towns and districts in Edinburgh and the Lothians, including Edinburgh, Livingston and Musselburgh.
Who builds the extension?
Vetted building teams working under contract to us; your contract is with S&K Property Investments and Improvement Ltd.