Sunderland, Tyne and Wear
Side return extension in Sunderland
For homes in Sunderland, 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.
Sunderland is covered from our Tyne and Wear round, including SR2, SR3, SR4 and SR5. In Sunderland 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 Sunderland?
Guide prices for a side return extension in Sunderland start from our North East England rate of £2,070–£3,420 per square metre, including VAT. 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 |
We put a fixed price in writing once the design is agreed, and explain any provisional sums such as foundations.
Do you need planning permission for a side return extension in Sunderland?
Here is how the rules in England apply to a side return extension in Sunderland.
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 Sunderland like to extend?
Terraces and semis are typical around Sunderland. 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 Sunderland 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.
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.
Fixed price and build
A written price for the agreed design, a start date and a named contact through the build, ending with the building control completion certificate.
Side return extensions near Sunderland
Neighbouring places we cover include Ryhope (2.3 miles) and The Boldons (3.9 miles).
- Side return extension in Ryhope
- Side return extension in The Boldons
- Side return extension in Seaham
- Side return extension in Washington
- Side return extension in Houghton-le-Spring
Other work in Sunderland:
FAQ
Side return extension questions in Sunderland
Do I need planning permission for a rear extension in Sunderland?
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.
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.
Can I combine a side return with a rear extension?
Yes; that is a wraparound extension, and it gives the biggest open-plan room a terrace can have.
What postcode areas do you cover around Sunderland?
Including SR2, SR3, SR4, SR5, SR6 and SR9, and the surrounding Tyne and Wear area.
Can you match the brick or stone on my Sunderland house?
We source the closest match and show you samples before ordering; reclaimed materials are often the best match on older houses.
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.