Side return extensions in Burntwood: design, approvals and build
From the first sketch to final sign-off, we plan and build side return extensions in Burntwood and the surrounding Staffordshire area.
- Guide price in BurntwoodFrom £17,000 inc VAT
- PlanningOften permitted development; party wall notice usual
- Build time10–14 weeks on site
- Postcode districtsWS7

Covering Burntwood
Site visits are available across Burntwood (WS7). The same team covers Great Wyrley (4 miles), Lichfield (4 miles), Cannock (4 miles), Rugeley (5 miles), all within easy reach.
The West Midlands has a large stock of 1930s and post-war semi-detached houses, which are well suited to rear, side and over-garage extensions, plus Victorian terraces in the older inner areas.
When a side return extension makes sense
- Narrow galley kitchens
- Homes where the garden is too small to lose much depth
- Victorian and Edwardian terraces with a rear outrigger
Planning rules that apply in Burntwood
In England a single-storey side return infill is often permitted development if it stays within the height limits and is no wider than half the width of the original house. Conservation areas, listed buildings and flats always need an application, and the boundary wall usually brings in the Party Wall Act.
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).
What should I budget for a side return extension in Burntwood?
These guide figures apply our West Midlands adjustment (×0.97) to national rates. They include VAT at 20% and cover the build itself; design and council fees are listed separately.
Typical rates in Burntwood: £2,040 to £3,690 per m² including VAT, depending on specification.
| Size | Essential | Standard | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.8 m × 4.5 m 8 m² | £17,000 – £21,000 | £18,500 – £23,500 | £23,000 – £29,500 |
| 2 m × 5.5 m 11 m² | £22,000 – £27,000 | £25,500 – £32,500 | £32,000 – £41,000 |
| 2.2 m × 7 m 15 m² | £30,500 – £36,500 | £34,500 – £44,000 | £43,500 – £55,500 |
For a figure based on your own dimensions, use our guide-price tool.
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
We visit your Burntwood home, measure up, talk through what you want and check the planning position.
Design and approvals
We draw the design, agree it with you and handle planning or permitted development checks and building regulations.
Fixed written price
We confirm the build price in writing, based on the approved drawings and the finishes you have chosen.
Build and sign-off
The build is managed from start to finish, inspected at each stage and signed off on completion.
Common questions in Burntwood
Do you cover all of Burntwood?
Yes. We cover Burntwood and the surrounding parts of Staffordshire. Site visits are free and there is no obligation.
Will my neighbours in Burntwood 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.
Do I need building regulations approval in Burntwood?
Yes. Almost every extension needs it, whatever the planning route. We prepare the drawings and book the inspections.
How much does a side return extension cost?
Our guide range is about £2,040 to £3,690 per m² including VAT, so a typical 2 m × 5.5 m infill lands around £25,500 to £32,500 at standard spec in Burntwood, more in London.
Do side return extensions need planning permission?
In England many single-storey side returns fit within permitted development if they stay within the height limits and are no wider than half the width of the original house. Conservation areas, listed buildings and flats need an application. Other UK nations have their own rules, which we check.
Book a free site visit in Burntwood
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.