Side return extensions in Larne: design, approvals and build
A side return extension in Larne starts with the right design and the right approval route. We take care of both, then build it with our own project management.
- Guide price in LarneFrom £15,000 inc VAT
- PlanningDepends on the NI limits; checked at the survey
- Build time10–14 weeks on site
- Postcode districtsBT40
Do I need planning permission in Larne?
In Northern Ireland the Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 2015 lets some single-storey rear extensions go ahead without planning permission, up to 3 m on a semi-detached or terraced house and 4 m on a detached house, within height and boundary limits. Larger, side and two-storey extensions normally need planning permission from the council, and building control approval is separate.
Before any drawing is finalised we check whether the house is listed, in a conservation area or subject to an Article 4 direction.
In Northern Ireland building control is run by the councils under the Building Regulations (Northern Ireland). We submit full plans or a building notice and book the inspections through to completion.
Building close to a public sewer needs the agreement of NI Water, which we check during design.
Applications are decided by your council, which handles local planning in Northern Ireland.
Working in Larne
We cover Larne and the postcode districts BT40. Nearby, we also take on projects in Carrickfergus (9 miles), Newtownabbey (14 miles), Belfast (18 miles), Antrim (18 miles).
For homes towards County Down, Bangor, County Down is around 14 miles away. In Northern Ireland, extension projects follow the NI planning rules and council building control, which we account for from the first survey.
What should I budget for a side return extension in Larne?
Labour and material costs vary across the UK, so for Larne we use our Northern Ireland factor (×0.86). The ranges include VAT and exclude design, structural and council fees.
Typical rates in Larne: £1,810 to £3,270 per m² including VAT, depending on specification.
| Size | Essential | Standard | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.8 m × 4.5 m 8 m² | £15,000 – £18,500 | £16,500 – £21,000 | £20,500 – £26,500 |
| 2 m × 5.5 m 11 m² | £19,500 – £24,000 | £22,500 – £28,500 | £28,000 – £36,000 |
| 2.2 m × 7 m 15 m² | £27,000 – £32,500 | £30,500 – £39,000 | £38,500 – £49,500 |
Want a range for your exact size? The guide-price tool takes about a minute.
What we take care of
- Kitchen-ready shell or full finish
- Design to keep daylight in the middle of the house
- Survey of the outrigger, boundary wall and drainage
- Removal of the side wall and new steelwork
- Glazed, sloping or flat roof with rooflights
Light is the design problem. A side return can make the middle of the house darker if the roof is solid, so we model the daylight and usually recommend a glazed slope or a run of rooflights along the boundary edge.
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 Larne 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
You receive a written, itemised price and programme. Nothing starts until you are happy with it.
Build and sign-off
The build is managed from start to finish, inspected at each stage and signed off on completion.
Side return extension questions answered
Will my neighbours in Larne be involved?
If a planning application is needed, the council notifies neighbours. Where work is close to a shared boundary, we agree access and protection with them in writing.
How long does a side return extension take to build in Larne?
On site, typically 10 to 14 weeks once approvals are in place. Before that, allow 6–12 weeks design and approvals.
Can I see a price before committing to anything?
Yes. The guide prices on this page are adjusted for Larne, 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 much does a side return extension cost?
Our guide range is about £1,810 to £3,270 per m² including VAT, so a typical 2 m × 5.5 m infill lands around £22,500 to £28,500 at standard spec in Larne, more in London.
Can I combine a side return with a rear extension?
Yes. That combination is a wraparound extension, which adds the most space to a terraced house.
Book a free site visit in Larne
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.