Side extensions in Bishop's Stortford: design, approvals and build
Bishop's Stortford homeowners can use us for the whole side extension project: survey, design, planning or permitted development checks, building regulations and the build itself.
- Guide price in Bishop's StortfordFrom £23,000 inc VAT
- PlanningSingle storey can be permitted development
- Build time10–18 weeks on site
- Postcode districtsCM23
Planning rules that apply in Bishop's Stortford
In England a single-storey side extension can be permitted development if it is no more than 4 m high and no wider than half the width of the original house. Two-storey side extensions, and any side extension on designated land such as a conservation area, need a householder planning application.
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.
Building regulations approval is separate from planning. In England you can use the council's building control team or a registered building control approver; a full plans application gets the drawings checked before work starts, and the inspector signs the work off with a completion certificate.
Applications are decided by the local planning authority (your district, borough or unitary council).
Who a side extension suits
- Detached and semi-detached houses with side land
- Homes needing a utility, study or ground-floor bedroom
- Houses where the rear garden is small
Covering Bishop's Stortford
Across CM23, we can visit, measure and advise. The same team covers Hoddesdon (10 miles), Hertford (11 miles), Cheshunt (14 miles), Stevenage (16 miles), all within easy reach.
Harlow, in Essex, is roughly 7 miles from Bishop's Stortford and also on our list. Across the East of England many houses sit on generous plots, and single-storey and wraparound extensions are a natural fit.
Side extension prices in Bishop's Stortford
These guide figures apply our East of England adjustment (×1.06) to national rates. They include VAT at 20% and cover the build itself; design and council fees are listed separately.
Typical rates in Bishop's Stortford: £1,860 to £3,600 per m² including VAT, depending on specification.
| Size | Essential | Standard | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5 m × 5 m 12 m² | £23,000 – £28,000 | £26,000 – £34,000 | £33,000 – £43,500 |
| 3 m × 6 m 18 m² | £33,000 – £40,500 | £39,000 – £51,000 | £49,500 – £65,000 |
| 3 m × 8 m 24 m² | £44,500 – £53,500 | £52,000 – £67,500 | £66,000 – £86,500 |
Try the guide-price tool to see a range for your own size and finish.
What happens next
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
We visit your Bishop's Stortford home, measure up, talk through what you want and check the planning position.
Design and approvals
Once the layout is agreed, we deal with the council: planning permission or written confirmation that none is needed, plus building control.
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
The build is managed from start to finish, inspected at each stage and signed off on completion.
Side extension questions answered
Can I see a price before committing to anything?
Yes. The guide prices on this page are adjusted for Bishop's Stortford, and the guide-price tool gives a range for your own size. After the survey you get a written price before anything is agreed.
Do I need building regulations approval in Bishop's Stortford?
Yes. Almost every extension needs it, whatever the planning route. We prepare the drawings and book the inspections.
Do you cover all of Bishop's Stortford?
Yes. We cover Bishop's Stortford and the surrounding parts of Hertfordshire. Site visits are free and there is no obligation.
How close to the boundary can I build?
It depends on height. In England, within 2 m of a boundary the eaves must not exceed 3 m under permitted development. Building on the boundary is possible but brings party wall and maintenance access issues we plan for.
Can I build a side extension without planning permission?
In England a single-storey side extension can be permitted development if it is no more than 4 m high and no wider than half the width of the original house. Two-storey side extensions, and any side extension on designated land such as a conservation area, need a planning application.
Book a free site visit in Bishop's Stortford
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.