Solihull, West Midlands
Side return extension in Solihull
For homes in Solihull, 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.
Solihull is covered from our West Midlands round, including B26, B27 and B28. Side returns suit the Victorian and Edwardian terraces found across parts of the West Midlands, 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 Solihull?
A side return extension in Solihull is priced at £2,300–£3,800 per square metre including VAT as a guide, before kitchen fit-out and fees. The West Midlands is the baseline for our guide prices.
| Size | Guide price inc VAT |
|---|---|
| 2 m wide × 6 m deep (12 m²) | £27,500–£45,500 |
| 2.5 m wide × 7 m deep (17.5 m²) | £40,500–£66,500 |
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 Solihull?
Whether your side return extension in Solihull 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. We check your house's planning history and any conservation area before drawing, so the route is clear before you spend on plans.
What are homes in Solihull like to extend?
Solihull has a lot of post-war semis and estate houses with long gardens and side access, which makes rear extensions quicker to build.
How a side return extension in Solihull 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.
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 Solihull
From Solihull, the nearest places we also cover are Shirley (1.6 miles) and Acocks Green (2.9 miles).
- Side return extension in Shirley
- Side return extension in Acocks Green
- Side return extension in Knowle
- Side return extension in Chelmsley Wood
- Side return extension in Washwood Heath
Other work in Solihull:
FAQ
Side return extension questions in Solihull
Is the site visit in Solihull free?
Yes. We visit, measure up and talk through the options with no cost and no obligation.
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.
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.
How long does a rear extension take to build in Solihull?
Most single-storey rear extensions take 10 to 16 weeks on site and two-storey extensions 16 to 26 weeks, after design and approvals.
Can you match the brick or stone on my Solihull house?
We source the closest match and show you samples before ordering; reclaimed materials are often the best match on older houses.
Do I need a party wall agreement?
In England, usually yes if the extension is on or near a shared boundary or the foundations are close to a neighbour's building. We serve the notices.