Side extensions in Brockley: design, approvals and build
Our design and build teams take on side extensions in Brockley, from the first measured survey through planning and building control to the finished room.
- Guide price in BrockleyFrom £28,500 inc VAT
- PlanningSingle storey can be permitted development
- Build time10–18 weeks on site
- Postcode districtsSE4, SE8, SE13, SE14, SE15
When a side extension makes sense
- Houses where the rear garden is small
- Homes needing a utility, study or ground-floor bedroom
- Detached and semi-detached houses with side land
Councils often prefer side extensions to sit slightly back from the front of the house with a lower roof, so the original building still reads clearly. We design to those principles from the start to avoid redesigns.
Do I need planning permission in Brockley?
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.
Before any drawing is finalised we check whether the house is listed, in a conservation area or subject to an Article 4 direction.
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.
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.
Applications are decided by the local planning authority (your district, borough or unitary council).
Working in Brockley
Site visits are available across Brockley (SE4, SE8, SE13, SE14, SE15, SE22). We also work in nearby New Cross (1 mile), Greenwich (1 mile), Catford (1 mile), Peckham (2 miles).
Just over the Kent border, Swanley is about 10 miles away. London's housing is dominated by Victorian and Edwardian terraces, many with a rear outrigger and a side return, and 1930s semis in the outer boroughs. Conservation areas are common, so the planning check comes first.
How much does a side extension cost in Brockley?
Labour and material costs vary across the UK, so for Brockley we use our London factor (×1.3). The ranges include VAT and exclude design, structural and council fees.
Typical rates in Brockley: £2,280 to £4,420 per m² including VAT, depending on specification.
| Size | Essential | Standard | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5 m × 5 m 12 m² | £28,500 – £34,500 | £31,500 – £41,500 | £40,500 – £53,500 |
| 3 m × 6 m 18 m² | £40,500 – £49,500 | £47,500 – £62,500 | £60,500 – £80,000 |
| 3 m × 8 m 24 m² | £54,500 – £66,000 | £63,500 – £83,000 | £81,000 – £106,500 |
Try the guide-price tool to see a range for your own size and finish.
From first visit to completion
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
A designer visits, takes measurements and photos, and discusses layouts, budget and timing with you.
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
We build it with one project manager, book the building control inspections and hand over the completion certificate.
Side extension questions answered
Do I need building regulations approval in Brockley?
Yes. Almost every extension needs it, whatever the planning route. We prepare the drawings and book the inspections.
Can I see a price before committing to anything?
Yes. The guide prices on this page are adjusted for Brockley, and the guide-price tool gives a range for your own size. After the survey you get a written price before anything is agreed.
How long does a side extension take to build in Brockley?
On site, typically 10 to 18 weeks once approvals are in place. Before that, allow 6–14 weeks design and approvals.
How much does a side extension cost?
Our guide range is about £2,280 to £4,420 per m² including VAT, depending on specification, so a standard 18 m² single-storey side extension lands around £47,500 to £62,500 in Brockley.
Can I build over my driveway?
Yes, if the foundations work and you keep any parking the council requires. Drains and services under drives are common, so we check before design.
Book a free site visit in Brockley
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.