Darlington, County Durham
Side return extension in Darlington
Infilling the narrow passage beside a Victorian or Edwardian back addition. We design, get the approvals for and build side return extensions in Darlington and the surrounding area, with one contract from the first survey to building control sign-off.
We cover Darlington (DL1, DL2 and DL3) as part of our County Durham work. Side returns suit the Victorian and Edwardian terraces found across parts of County Durham, where the kitchen sits in a narrow back addition.
Book a free site visit
Tell us about the house and we'll call to arrange a free, no-obligation visit.
How much does a side return extension cost in Darlington?
In Darlington, our guide for a side return extension is £2,070–£3,420 per square metre including VAT for a standard specification. North East prices are among the lowest in our range; former mining ground is the main foundation variable.
| Size | Guide price inc VAT |
|---|---|
| 2 m wide × 6 m deep (12 m²) | £25,000–£41,000 |
| 2.5 m wide × 7 m deep (17.5 m²) | £36,000–£60,000 |
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 for a side return extension in Darlington?
Whether your side return extension in Darlington needs a planning application depends on its size, your house and any local restrictions.
In England the side part of a side return or wraparound must meet the side-extension rules (one storey, under 4 metres high, no more than half the width of the original house), and those rights do not apply on designated land. Because a wraparound combines a side and a rear extension, many need householder planning permission.
Because rear extensions often sit on or near the boundary, the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 usually applies in England. Notices go out one or two months before work depending on the type of work, and a surveyor's award is only needed if a neighbour does not consent.
Conservation areas, National Parks, National Landscapes and the Broads restrict permitted development, and listed buildings always need listed building consent. At the first visit we measure what is there now and tell you which route fits: permitted development, prior approval or a planning application.
What are homes in Darlington like to extend?
Terraces and semis are typical around Darlington. On terraces a single-storey rear extension across the back yard is usually the practical choice; semis often have room for more.
How a side return extension in Darlington comes together
Survey visit
We visit free of charge, measure up, check access, drainage and neighbours' extensions, and note what you want the room to do.
Design and guide price
Two or three layout options with a guide price for each, so you choose the design knowing what it costs.
Planning and regulations
We take the design through the right planning route, then produce the construction drawings and engineer's calculations for building control.
Written price, then build
Once the design and approvals are in place, you get a fixed written price and programme, and we build through to sign-off.
Side return extensions near Darlington
We also build side return extensions in nearby Newton Aycliffe (6.6 miles) and Yarm (7.9 miles).
- Side return extension in Newton Aycliffe
- Side return extension in Yarm
- Side return extension in Ingleby Barwick
- Side return extension in Stockton-on-Tees
- Side return extension in Thornaby-on-Tees
Other work in Darlington:
FAQ
Side return extension questions in Darlington
Who will build my extension?
Vetted building teams working under contract to us. Your contract is with S&K Property Investments and Improvement Ltd for the design and the build.
Will I need a structural engineer?
Yes for the beam over the new opening and usually the foundations; we arrange them and their calculations go to building control.
How much space does a side return add?
Typically 8 to 18 square metres, enough to turn a galley kitchen into a kitchen-diner with an island.
Is the site visit in Darlington free?
Yes. We visit, measure up and talk through the options with no cost and no obligation.
What postcode areas do you cover around Darlington?
Including DL1, DL2 and DL3, and the surrounding County Durham area.
How much does a side return extension cost in Darlington?
As a guide, £2,070–£3,420 per square metre including VAT for a standard specification. For example, 2 m wide × 6 m deep (12 m²): about £25,000–£41,000 at that rate. Your written price follows the survey.