Orpington, Greater London
Single-storey rear extension in Orpington
Single-storey rear extension in Orpington: ground-floor space across the back of the house, usually for a kitchen, dining or family room. We measure the house, show you what the rules allow, price it in writing and build it.
We cover Orpington (BR5, BR6 and BR7) as part of our Greater London work. A depth of 3 to 4 metres keeps many single-storey rear extensions in Orpington within permitted development, subject to the house's planning history.
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 Orpington?
For Orpington we work from the London rate: £2,470–£4,030 per square metre of new floor, including VAT, standard specification. 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 |
|---|---|
| 3 m wide × 4 m deep (12 m²) | £29,500–£48,500 |
| 4 m wide × 5 m deep (20 m²) | £49,500–£80,500 |
| 4 m wide × 6 m deep (24 m²) | £59,500–£96,500 |
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 single-storey rear extension in Orpington?
The planning route for a single-storey rear extension in Orpington is set by England's householder rules and your council.
Under England's householder permitted development rules you can usually add 3 metres at the back of an attached house, or 4 metres on a detached house, without a planning application, as long as the extension stays under 4 metres high and its eaves stay under 3 metres where it is 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 Orpington like to extend?
Much of Orpington 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 single-storey rear extension in Orpington 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.
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.
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.
Single-storey rear extensions near Orpington
Close by, we work in Chelsfield, about 1.7 miles away, and Bickley, about 2.9 miles away.
- Single-storey rear extension in Chelsfield
- Single-storey rear extension in Bickley
- Single-storey rear extension in Chislehurst
- Single-storey rear extension in Sidcup
- Single-storey rear extension in Swanley
Other work in Orpington:
FAQ
Single-storey rear extension questions in Orpington
Do you handle building control in Orpington?
Yes. We apply to the council or a registered building control approver and hand over the completion certificate.
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.
How deep can a single-storey rear extension be without planning?
In England, 3 metres on an attached house and 4 metres on a detached house under permitted development, or up to 6 and 8 metres with prior approval. Wales allows 4 metres; Scotland and Northern Ireland have their own limits.
How much does a single-storey rear extension cost in Orpington?
As a guide, £2,470–£4,030 per square metre including VAT for a standard specification. For example, 3 m wide × 4 m deep (12 m²): about £29,500–£48,500 at that rate. Your written price follows the survey.
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.
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.