Wanstead, Greater London
Side return extension in Wanstead
For homes in Wanstead, 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.
Wanstead and its postcode districts E11, E18 and IG4 are part of our Greater London coverage. Side return projects in Wanstead 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 Wanstead?
A side return extension in Wanstead 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 |
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 Wanstead?
The planning route for a side return extension in Wanstead is set by England's householder rules and your council.
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. Before any drawing we look up the property's history with the council, because earlier extensions and removed rights change the answer.
What are homes in Wanstead like to extend?
Period terraces in Wanstead sit alongside flats, and the difference matters: houses usually keep permitted development rights, while flats and maisonettes need planning permission for any rear extension.
How a side return extension in Wanstead 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.
Drawings and budget
Floor plans and elevations for the options, each with a guide price.
Paperwork handled
Planning, prior approval or permitted development, Building Regulations approval, structural design and party wall notices are all handled by us.
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 Wanstead
From Wanstead, the nearest places we also cover are Snaresbrook (0.6 miles) and Leytonstone (0.9 miles).
- Side return extension in Snaresbrook
- Side return extension in Leytonstone
- Side return extension in Leyton
- Side return extension in Barkingside
- Side return extension in Manor Park
Other work in Wanstead:
FAQ
Side return extension questions in Wanstead
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 Wanstead?
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.
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 you match the brick or stone on my Wanstead house?
We source the closest match and show you samples before ordering; reclaimed materials are often the best match on older houses.
Is the site visit in Wanstead free?
Yes. We visit, measure up and talk through the options with no cost and no obligation.
How long does a rear extension take to build in Wanstead?
Most single-storey rear extensions take 10 to 16 weeks on site and two-storey extensions 16 to 26 weeks, after design and approvals.