Side extensions in Dover
From the first sketch to final sign-off, we plan and build side extensions in Dover and the surrounding Kent area.
- Guide price in DoverFrom £24,500 inc VAT
- PlanningSingle storey can be permitted development
- Build time10–18 weeks on site
- Postcode districtsCT16, CT17
What we take care of
- Planning route checked or application made
- Foundations near boundaries and any drains
- Survey, design and street-view drawings
- New openings through the side wall
How much does a side extension cost in Dover?
For Dover we adjust our national guide rates by ×1.12, the factor we use for South East England. Figures include VAT; your written quote after the survey replaces them.
Typical rates in Dover: £1,960 to £3,810 per m² including VAT, depending on specification.
| Size | Essential | Standard | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5 m × 5 m 12 m² | £24,500 – £30,000 | £27,500 – £36,000 | £34,500 – £46,000 |
| 3 m × 6 m 18 m² | £35,000 – £42,500 | £41,000 – £53,500 | £52,000 – £69,000 |
| 3 m × 8 m 24 m² | £47,000 – £56,500 | £55,000 – £71,500 | £69,500 – £91,500 |
Try the guide-price tool to see a range for your own size and finish.
Local to Dover
Our survey diary covers Dover, including CT16, CT17. Neighbouring towns we cover include Folkestone (7 miles), Deal (8 miles), Canterbury (15 miles), Ramsgate (15 miles).
Hastings, in East Sussex, is roughly 37 miles from Dover and also on our list. Homes across the South East range from Victorian terraces in the older town centres to large detached houses on the edges, so the right extension type varies street by street.
Planning and approvals in Dover
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.
In a conservation area, national park, National Landscape, the Broads or a World Heritage Site the permitted development limits are tighter (no side or two-storey extensions without an application). Listed homes need listed building consent, and if permitted development rights have been removed, any extension needs an application.
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.
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).
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
It starts with a visit to your house to measure, check access and talk through ideas and budget.
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
You receive a written, itemised price and programme. Nothing starts until you are happy with it.
Build and sign-off
We build it with one project manager, book the building control inspections and hand over the completion certificate.
Questions people ask about side extensions
Will my neighbours in Dover 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.
How long does a side extension take to build in Dover?
On site, typically 10 to 18 weeks once approvals are in place. Before that, allow 6–14 weeks design and approvals.
Do I need building regulations approval in Dover?
Yes. Almost every extension needs it, whatever the planning route. We prepare the drawings and book the inspections.
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 Dover
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.