Side Return Extensions London

Many homeowners build a home extension as a way to improve their property and make the most of the space available. This makes good sense. You can avoid the expense and lost time when moving house, and you can re-organise your home around the newly expanded space.

For many, the extension will be ground or ground and first floor, and extending back into the garden. The challenge comes when the garden itself is small, and where a loft conversion may not quite match your needs.

A good alternative is to have a side return extension in London.

Will a side return extension need Planning Permission?

Many side return extensions (infill extensions, if you prefer) come within the definition of Permitted Development Rights, so Planning Permission is  not required. However, if this is the case you should still seek a Lawful Development Certificate from your local Planning Authority. This will be proof that the work did not require Planning Permission, which is important when you eventually come to sell the house.

It is important to take advice on Permitted Development Rights or the need for Planning Permission. Ideally this will be from a firm of Architectural Designers who are also Planning specialists, so they will be able to see the project as a whole.

As a starting point, work which extends no more than 6m from the rear of a terraced house or semi-detached, or 8m for a detached house, is within Permitted Development. But note: this is from the rear wall of the main body of the house, not from the end of outrigger or original ‘extension.’

Depending on the proportions of the original house, you might find yourself needing Planning Permission, especially if your side return extension does reach further into the garden than the original building.

Will a side return extension be feasible, and how will you know?

A key initial stage of your project will be a Feasibility Study. In this, your Architectural Designers & Planning specialists will assess the nature and scope of the work required. It is usually quite detailed, and getting this done will save you time and money later, and avoid unwelcome surprises. 

You can expect

• initial ideas based on your brief – including drawings, 3D visualisations and plans, in line with Building Regulations
• advice on the nature and extent of structural work required and how that will impact of the aesthetics of the extension – ideally how you can use structural elements to your advantage to maximise space and light
• advice about a party wall agreement, especially if you live in a terraced or semi-detached property
• suggestions as to design details and on the types of materials used, to match your budget, and 
• advice as to approximate costs.

With a sound understanding of your home’s potential, your architectural designers can start on planning and preparation, including the paperwork that goes with Planning Permission or Permitted Development Rights.

Understanding the big picture, with eyes on the detail

Divi Design are Architectural Designers and Planning specialists, with an established reputation for extensions, conversions and refurbishment work on homes across London. We are proud of our elegant designs, project management skills and practical problem solving capabilities.  

We have wide and detailed experience of all aspects of house construction, extensions and loft conversions. We love the way that each London home, though sometimes one of many when seen from the outside, is always different, with unique opportunities for improvement that makes lives better. We count ourselves fortunate to be part of that process.

We do house extensions all over London. Areas include (but are not limited to): Barking & Dagenham, Bromley, Barnet, Bexley, Enfield, Greenwich, Hammersmith & Fulham, Havering, Romford, Thurrock, Twickenham, Waltham Forest, Wandsworth, Walthamstow, Richmond,  High Wycombe, Harrow, and Ealing.