Essex
Permitted development rear extensions in Essex
Designing to the no-application limits, with a lawful development certificate as proof. Rear extensions in Essex: we cover 32 towns including Southend-on-Sea, Basildon and Colchester, with design, approvals and the build under one contract.
Post-war semis and newer estates are typical of Essex, and many have room for a full-width extension. Shrinkable clay is common in the East of England, so foundations near trees and hedges are designed to NHBC-style depth guidance.
How much does a permitted development rear extension cost in Essex?
A permitted development rear extension in Essex is priced at £2,010–£3,290 per square metre including VAT as a guide, before kitchen fit-out and fees. East of England prices run slightly above our West Midlands baseline; clay soils near trees are the main foundation variable.
| Size | Guide price inc VAT |
|---|---|
| 3 m wide × 4 m deep (12 m²) | £24,000–£39,500 |
| 4 m wide × 5 m deep (20 m²) | £40,500–£65,500 |
| 4 m wide × 6 m deep (24 m²) | £48,500–£79,000 |
Ground conditions, glazing, the roof and how far the house is opened up move the final figure within the range.
Do you need planning permission in Essex?
English permitted development (Class A) allows a single-storey rear extension of 3 metres on a terraced or semi-detached house and 4 metres on a detached one, measured from the original house, with a maximum height of 4 metres and eaves of no more than 3 metres within 2 metres of a boundary.
England's rules allow a rear extension of more than one storey without an application only when it is no deeper than 3 metres and at least 7 metres from the boundary opposite the rear wall, and never on designated land. Most two-storey schemes need householder planning permission.
Conservation areas, National Parks, National Landscapes and the Broads restrict permitted development, and listed buildings always need listed building consent.
Where in Essex do we work?
- Southend-on-Sea
- Basildon
- Colchester
- Chelmsford
- Harlow
- Grays
- Braintree
- Brentwood
- Clacton-on-Sea
- South Benfleet
- Canvey Island
- Billericay
- Rayleigh
- Stanford-le-Hope
- Wickford
- Witham
- Pitsea
- Maldon
- Waltham Abbey
- South Ockendon
- Harwich
- Hadleigh
- Walton-on-the-Naze
- Frinton-on-Sea
- Rochford
- Saffron Walden
- Tilbury
- Chafford Hundred
- Chigwell
- Halstead
- Buckhurst Hill
- Epping
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.
Can my neighbours object?
Not to permitted development itself, though they can ask the council to check it complies. Prior approval does involve neighbour consultation.
Do you cover all of Essex?
We cover 32 towns and districts in Essex, including Southend-on-Sea, Basildon and Colchester.
Who builds the extension?
Vetted building teams working under contract to us; your contract is with S&K Property Investments and Improvement Ltd.