Rotherhithe, Greater London
Side return extension in Rotherhithe
For homes in Rotherhithe, a side return extension is often the simplest way to gain space without moving. Infilling the narrow passage beside a Victorian or Edwardian back addition. We take it from survey to completion certificate.
Rotherhithe is covered from our Greater London round, including E1, E1W and SE16. In Rotherhithe we check the boundary line and the neighbour's gutter before drawing a side return, because a few centimetres decide whether the wall goes on or beside the boundary.
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 Rotherhithe?
In Rotherhithe, our guide for a side return extension is £2,990–£4,940 per square metre including VAT for a 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 Rotherhithe?
Whether your side return extension in Rotherhithe 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 Rotherhithe like to extend?
Much of Rotherhithe 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 Rotherhithe 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.
Options and costs
We draw layout options and price each one, so the budget shapes the design rather than surprising you later.
Planning and regulations
We take the design through the right planning route, then produce the construction drawings and engineer's calculations for building control.
Build and sign-off
We build to the approved drawings with regular updates, then hand over the building control completion certificate and any guarantees from suppliers.
Side return extensions near Rotherhithe
Neighbouring places we cover include Whitechapel (1.2 miles) and Limehouse (1.2 miles).
- Side return extension in Whitechapel
- Side return extension in Limehouse
- Side return extension in Stepney
- Side return extension in New Cross
- Side return extension in Bethnal Green
Other work in Rotherhithe:
FAQ
Side return extension questions in Rotherhithe
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.
How much does a side return extension cost in Rotherhithe?
As a guide, £2,990–£4,940 per square metre including VAT for a standard specification. For example, 2 m wide × 6 m deep (12 m²): about £36,000–£59,500 at that rate. Your written price follows the survey.
Glass roof or solid roof with rooflights?
A glass roof gives the most light; a solid roof with long rooflights is warmer and quieter in rain. Both work.
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.
Do I need planning permission for a rear extension in Rotherhithe?
Often not for a single-storey rear extension of up to 3 metres (4 metres on a detached house) under permitted development, or up to 6 or 8 metres with prior approval, unless the house is in a conservation area or its rights have been removed.
Do you handle building control in Rotherhithe?
Yes. We apply to the council or a registered building control approver and hand over the completion certificate.