Harlow, Essex
Single-storey rear extension in Harlow
Ground-floor space across the back of the house, usually for a kitchen, dining or family room. We design, get the approvals for and build single-storey rear extensions in Harlow and the surrounding area, with one contract from the first survey to building control sign-off.
Harlow sits in Essex, with postcode districts including CM17, CM18, CM19 and CM20. On Victorian terraces and 1930s semis like those around Harlow, a single-storey rear extension is usually the simplest way to fix a small back kitchen without touching the bedrooms.
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 single-storey rear extension cost in Harlow?
A single-storey rear extension in Harlow is priced at £2,010–£3,290 per square metre including VAT as a guide, before kitchen fit-out and fees. East of England prices run slightly above our West Midlands baseline; clay soils near trees are the main foundation variable.
| Size | Guide price inc VAT |
|---|---|
| 3 m wide × 4 m deep (12 m²) | £24,000–£39,500 |
| 4 m wide × 5 m deep (20 m²) | £40,500–£65,500 |
| 4 m wide × 6 m deep (24 m²) | £48,500–£79,000 |
These are guide ranges; the written quote after the survey is the figure that counts.
Do you need planning permission for a single-storey rear extension in Harlow?
Planning for a single-storey rear extension in Harlow follows the English householder rules.
English permitted development (Class A) allows a single-storey rear extension of 3 metres on a terraced or semi-detached house and 4 metres on a detached one, measured from the original house, with a maximum height of 4 metres and eaves of no more than 3 metres within 2 metres of a boundary.
If 3 or 4 metres is not enough, England's prior approval route allows 6 metres on a terraced or semi-detached house and 8 metres on a detached house for a single-storey rear extension. Neighbours are consulted, the council decides within 42 days, and the fee is £249, rising to £310 from 8 December 2026.
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 Harlow like to extend?
Harlow mixes Victorian terraces with 1930s semis, so both side returns and full-width kitchen extensions suit houses here.
How a single-storey rear extension in Harlow 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.
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.
Single-storey rear extensions near Harlow
Close by, we work in Hoddesdon, about 5.4 miles away, and Epping, about 5.4 miles away.
- Single-storey rear extension in Hoddesdon
- Single-storey rear extension in Epping
- Single-storey rear extension in Broxbourne
- Single-storey rear extension in Ware
- Single-storey rear extension in Bishops Stortford
Other work in Harlow:
FAQ
Single-storey rear extension questions in Harlow
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.
Do you handle building control in Harlow?
Yes. We apply to the council or a registered building control approver and hand over the completion certificate.
Do I need a structural engineer?
Yes for the beam over the new opening and usually for the foundations. Their calculations go to building control with the drawings.
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.
Do I need planning permission for a rear extension in Harlow?
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.
Can you match the brick or stone on my Harlow house?
We source the closest match and show you samples before ordering; reclaimed materials are often the best match on older houses.