Abbey Wood, Greater London
Side return extension in Abbey Wood
Thinking about a side return extension in Abbey Wood? Infilling the narrow passage beside a Victorian or Edwardian back addition. Our team handles the drawings, the planning route and the build, and your contract is with one company throughout.
We cover Abbey Wood (SE2, SE18 and SE28) as part of our Greater London work. Side returns suit the Victorian and Edwardian terraces found across parts of Greater London, 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 Abbey Wood?
For Abbey Wood we work from the London rate: £2,990–£4,940 per square metre of new floor, including VAT, standard specification. London prices sit at the top of our range because of labour rates, access through the house, parking suspensions and skip licences.
| Size | Guide price inc VAT |
|---|---|
| 2 m wide × 6 m deep (12 m²) | £36,000–£59,500 |
| 2.5 m wide × 7 m deep (17.5 m²) | £52,500–£86,500 |
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 Abbey Wood?
Whether your side return extension in Abbey Wood needs a planning application depends on its size, your house and any local restrictions.
Side return infills and the side leg of a wraparound are treated as side extensions in England: single-storey, no more than 4 metres high and no wider than half the original house. They are not permitted development in conservation areas, National Parks or National Landscapes, and a joined wraparound often needs a planning application because the side and rear rules apply together.
The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 applies in England: you serve notice two months before work to a shared wall, and one month before digging foundations within 3 metres (or 6 metres for deeper foundations) of a neighbour's building. Neighbours can agree in writing; if they dissent, surveyors agree an award.
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 Abbey Wood like to extend?
Much of Abbey Wood is Victorian and Edwardian terraced housing with narrow back additions, which suits side returns, wraparounds and 3 metre rear extensions. Many streets are in conservation areas, gardens are short, and almost everything comes through the house or along a rear alley.
How a side return extension in Abbey Wood comes together
Look round and measure
A free visit to see the back of the house, measure it, check the drains and boundaries and hear what you need.
Design and guide price
Two or three layout options with a guide price for each, so you choose the design knowing what it costs.
Approvals
Permitted development check, prior approval or planning application, then Building Regulations drawings and structural calculations, plus party wall notices where they apply.
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 Abbey Wood
We also build side return extensions in nearby Plumstead (1.1 miles) and Thamesmead (1.3 miles).
- Side return extension in Plumstead
- Side return extension in Thamesmead
- Side return extension in Welling
- Side return extension in Belvedere
- Side return extension in Charlton
Other work in Abbey Wood:
FAQ
Side return extension questions in Abbey Wood
Can I live at home while the extension is built?
Usually yes. Most of the work is outside until the back wall is opened near the end, and that stage is screened off.
Can I get a price without a visit?
Our online guide-price tool gives a range in a couple of minutes. A written price needs a survey.
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.
What postcode areas do you cover around Abbey Wood?
Including SE2, SE18 and SE28, and the surrounding Greater London area.
Can you match the brick or stone on my Abbey Wood house?
We source the closest match and show you samples before ordering; reclaimed materials are often the best match on older houses.
Do you handle building control in Abbey Wood?
Yes. We apply to the council or a registered building control approver and hand over the completion certificate.