Thornton Heath, Greater London
Side return extension in Thornton Heath
For homes in Thornton Heath, 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.
Thornton Heath is covered from our Greater London round, including CR7, SE19 and SE25. Side return projects in Thornton Heath usually start with a drainage survey of the side passage.
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 Thornton Heath?
A side return extension in Thornton Heath is priced at £2,990–£4,940 per square metre including VAT as a guide, before kitchen fit-out and fees. 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 |
These are guide ranges; the written quote after the survey is the figure that counts.
Do you need planning permission for a side return extension in Thornton Heath?
Planning for a side return extension in Thornton Heath follows the English householder rules.
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 Thornton Heath like to extend?
Much of Thornton Heath is 1920s and 1930s semis and short terraces with longer gardens than inner London, which suit full-width single-storey rear extensions. Parking suspensions, skip licences and controlled hours on residential streets shape the programme more than the build itself.
How a side return extension in Thornton Heath comes together
Free site visit
We measure the house and garden, look at the back wall, drainage and boundaries, and talk through what you want from the space.
Drawings and budget
Floor plans and elevations for the options, each with a guide price.
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 Thornton Heath
We also build side return extensions in nearby South Norwood (1.0 miles) and Croydon (1.1 miles).
- Side return extension in South Norwood
- Side return extension in Croydon
- Side return extension in Upper Norwood
- Side return extension in Norbury
- Side return extension in Crystal Palace
Other work in Thornton Heath:
FAQ
Side return extension questions in Thornton Heath
How long does a rear extension take to build in Thornton Heath?
Most single-storey rear extensions take 10 to 16 weeks on site and two-storey extensions 16 to 26 weeks, after design and approvals.
Is the site visit in Thornton Heath free?
Yes. We visit, measure up and talk through the options with no cost and no obligation.
Is a side return permitted development?
Sometimes, as a side extension within the width and height limits, but not in conservation areas, and many terraces are in one.
Do I need planning permission for a rear extension in Thornton Heath?
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.
How much does a side return extension cost in Thornton Heath?
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.
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.