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Extension types
Side return extensions
A side return extension fills in the narrow space along the side of a terraced or semi-detached house, usually to widen the kitchen. It’s a clever way to create a much more usable room without losing much garden.
- Design
- Planning
- Building regs
- Build
- 5.0 Google ratingRated by our clients
- Planning to completionOne team, every stage
- Wyboston LakesBased near St Neots
- Cambs & BedsHomes and businesses
Is it right for you?
What a side return extension is great for
- Victorian and Edwardian terraces
- Narrow galley kitchens
- Creating a wider kitchen-diner
- Adding light with glazed roofs
Things to think about
- Party Wall Act notices to your neighbour
- Glazed or partly glazed roofs to bring light into the middle of the house
- Drainage often runs down the side of the house
- Combining with a rear extension creates a wraparound
When considering the demolition of my conservatory and subsequent new build, I was advised to use Joe and his many teams of tradespeople. I was spared the hassle of design, planning permissions and building regulations.
FAQs
Side return extensions: your questions
Can’t see your question? Call us on 01480 272 600 or send us a message.
Do I need planning permission for a side return extension?
Not always. Single storey side extensions within permitted development limits (up to 4m high and no more than half the width of the original house) may not need an application, but in conservation areas they do. We’ll check your property.
Will I need a Party Wall agreement?
Often, yes, as side returns are usually built on or close to the boundary. Notices must be served before work starts. We handle this as part of the project.
Will a side return make my kitchen dark?
Not if it’s designed well. Glazed roofs and rooflights along the side return bring light into the centre of the house, often making it brighter than before.
Guides
Helpful reading on side return projects
GuidesDo I need planning permission for an extension?Many extensions can be built under permitted development, without a full planning application. Here’s how the rules work and when you’ll need permission.Read article 
GuidesParty wall agreements explained for extensionsBuilding on or near the boundary? Here’s when the Party Wall Act applies, which notices you need to serve, and how long it takes.Read article 
GuidesHow much does a house extension cost? Planning your budgetEvery extension is different, but the same factors drive the cost. Here’s what affects your budget and how to avoid surprises.Read article More options
Other types of extension
Single storey rear extensionsThe most popular way to add space: a bigger kitchen, family room or open-plan living area at the back of the house.Find out more 
Double storey extensionsAdd living space downstairs and bedrooms or a bathroom upstairs, often for less per square metre than a single storey.Find out more 
Wraparound extensionsCombine a side and rear extension in an L shape for the biggest possible open-plan ground floor.Find out more 
Kitchen extensionsCreate the kitchen-diner you’ve always wanted, designed, built and fitted by one team.Find out more 
Garage conversionsTurn an under-used garage into a living room, office, gym or self-contained annex.Find out more 
Loft conversionsAdd a bedroom, en-suite or office in the roof space without losing any garden.Find out more 
Garden rooms and orangeriesLight-filled spaces that blur the line between house and garden, built to be used all year round.Find out more 
Porches and front extensionsImprove your home’s kerb appeal and add useful space at the front, from a porch to a ground floor bedroom.Find out more
Side return extensions near you
- Extensions in St Neots
- Extensions in Little Paxton
- Extensions in Great Paxton
- Extensions in Buckden
- Extensions in Brampton
- Extensions in Godmanchester
- Extensions in Hemingford Grey
- Extensions in Hemingford Abbots
- Extensions in Houghton
- Extensions in Hilton
- Extensions in Kimbolton
- Extensions in Grafham
- Extensions in Olney
- Extensions in Hanslope area
- Extensions in MK Village
- Extensions in Bow Brickhill
- Extensions in Woburn Sands
- Extensions in Aspley Guise
- Extensions in Woburn
Planning a side return project?
Let’s talk about your plans
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