Kitchen extensions in Chelsea: design, approvals and build
Planning a kitchen extension in Chelsea? We survey the house, work out the planning route, draw the design and build it, so you deal with one team from the first visit to the completion certificate.
- Guide price in ChelseaFrom £35,000 inc VAT
- PlanningOften permitted development (3–4 m), or prior approval up to 6–8 m
- Build time10–16 weeks on site
- Postcode districtsSW1W, SW1X, SW3, SW5, SW7
Local to Chelsea
Our survey diary covers Chelsea, including SW1W, SW1X, SW3, SW5, SW7, SW10. Nearby, we also take on projects in Battersea (1 mile), Fulham (1 mile), Notting Hill (2 miles), Shepherds Bush (3 miles).
In London, space is at a premium and gardens are often short, so side returns, wraparounds and carefully planned rear extensions tend to make the most of every metre.
Planning rules that apply in Chelsea
In England a single-storey rear extension can usually go up to 3 m beyond the original rear wall of a semi-detached or terraced house, or 4 m on a detached house, without a planning application, provided it is no more than 4 m high, keeps eaves to 3 m within 2 m of a boundary and, with other buildings, covers no more than half the land around the original house. The larger home extension prior approval scheme raises those depths to 6 m and 8 m, with neighbours notified and a 42-day decision.
Homes in conservation areas, national parks, National Landscapes (formerly AONBs), the Broads and World Heritage Sites have tighter rules, so we always check the property's status and planning history before design starts.
If the work involves a shared wall, building on the boundary, or digging foundations within 3 m (sometimes 6 m) of a neighbour's building, the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 applies and notice must be served before work starts: two months for work to a party wall, one month for new walls on the boundary and for excavations.
Building over or within 3 m of a public sewer needs the water company's consent, usually through a build-over agreement, before the foundations go in.
Applications are decided by the local planning authority (your district, borough or unitary council).
How much does a kitchen extension cost in Chelsea?
These guide figures apply our London adjustment (×1.3) to national rates. They include VAT at 20% and cover the build itself; design and council fees are listed separately.
Typical rates in Chelsea: £2,340 to £4,550 per m² including VAT, depending on specification.
| Size | Essential | Standard | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 m × 5 m 15 m² | £35,000 – £41,000 | £40,500 – £52,000 | £51,500 – £68,500 |
| 4 m × 5 m 20 m² | £46,500 – £55,000 | £54,500 – £69,000 | £68,500 – £91,000 |
| 4 m × 7 m 28 m² | £65,500 – £76,500 | £76,000 – £96,500 | £96,000 – £127,500 |
Build cost only. A mid-range kitchen, supplied and fitted, typically adds £9,000 to £20,000.
Want a range for your exact size? The guide-price tool takes about a minute.
What is included
- Kitchen fitting by our team or coordination with your supplier
- Extraction routes and ventilation for building regulations
- Kitchen-led layout planning before the drawings are fixed
- Drainage and services designed for sinks, island and appliances
- Wide sliding or bifold doors to the garden
We start with the working triangle and the island, then set the doors, glazing and roof lights around it. Getting this order right avoids the classic mistakes: a sink against a blank wall, glare on the hob or a fridge blocking the garden view.
Our process, step by step
Site visits are free and there is no obligation. Where drawings are needed, the design stage is priced in writing before it starts.
Free site visit
It starts with a visit to your house to measure, check access and talk through ideas and budget.
Design and approvals
Drawings are prepared and agreed with you, then submitted for the right planning route and building regulations approval.
Fixed written price
The price is fixed in writing once the design is settled, with a clear programme and payment stages.
Build and sign-off
Our team builds the extension, keeps you updated weekly and finishes with building control sign-off.
Questions people ask about kitchen extensions
Do I need building regulations approval in Chelsea?
Yes. Almost every extension needs it, whatever the planning route. We prepare the drawings and book the inspections.
Who do I contract with for a kitchen extension in Chelsea?
Your contract is with S&K Property Investments and Improvement Ltd, which designs and manages the project and the build teams who carry it out.
Will my neighbours in Chelsea be involved?
If a planning application or prior approval is needed, the council notifies neighbours. If the work is on or near a shared boundary, party wall notices may also be needed.
Can you fit a kitchen I buy elsewhere?
Yes. We can fit it or work with your supplier’s fitters. We need the layout early so that drains, services and lighting are in the right place.
Where should the island go?
Usually under the brightest part of the roof and away from the main walkway to the garden. We test two or three layouts on the plan before deciding.
Book a free site visit in Chelsea
We will measure up, check the planning position and give you honest guide figures.
- Free, no-obligation site visit
- Planning route checked before you spend on drawings
- Written price once the design is agreed
- Building control sign-off at the end
Prefer to talk? Call 0800 088 6341 or .
Book a free site visit
Tell us a little about the project and we will arrange a time.