Side return extensions in Lowestoft: design, approvals and build
We design and build side return extensions for houses in Lowestoft, with a written price once the survey and design are done and one point of contact throughout.
- Guide price in LowestoftFrom £19,000 inc VAT
- PlanningOften permitted development; party wall notice usual
- Build time10–14 weeks on site
- Postcode districtsNR32, NR33
Local to Lowestoft
Postcode districts we cover around Lowestoft include NR32, NR33. Nearby, we also take on projects in Woodbridge (31 miles), Stowmarket (37 miles), Ipswich (38 miles), Felixstowe (39 miles).
Great Yarmouth, in Norfolk, is roughly 9 miles from Lowestoft and also on our list. The East of England mixes market-town terraces, inter-war semis and modern estates. Clay soils are common in parts of the region, which can affect foundation design.
Do I need planning permission in Lowestoft?
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.
Before any drawing is finalised we check whether the house is listed, in a conservation area or subject to an Article 4 direction.
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.
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.
Applications are decided by the local planning authority (your district, borough or unitary council).
What should I budget for a side return extension in Lowestoft?
Prices below are for Lowestoft, using the East of England factor of ×1.06. They are guide ranges including VAT for the build only, not a quote.
Typical rates in Lowestoft: £2,230 to £4,030 per m² including VAT, depending on specification.
| Size | Essential | Standard | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.8 m × 4.5 m 8 m² | £19,000 – £23,000 | £20,000 – £25,500 | £25,000 – £32,500 |
| 2 m × 5.5 m 11 m² | £24,000 – £29,500 | £27,500 – £35,000 | £34,500 – £44,500 |
| 2.2 m × 7 m 15 m² | £33,000 – £40,000 | £38,000 – £48,000 | £47,500 – £60,500 |
For a figure based on your own dimensions, use our guide-price tool.
What we take care of
- Design to keep daylight in the middle of the house
- New boundary wall or raised party wall
- Party wall notice support (England and Wales)
- Glazed, sloping or flat roof with rooflights
- Kitchen-ready shell or full 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
We visit your Lowestoft home, measure up, talk through what you want and check the planning position.
Design and approvals
We produce the drawings and structural design, and manage the approvals so they are in place before work starts.
Fixed written price
You receive a written, itemised price and programme. Nothing starts until you are happy with it.
Build and sign-off
Work is carried out to the agreed programme, inspected by building control and signed off at the end.
Side return extension questions answered
Do I need building regulations approval in Lowestoft?
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 Lowestoft, and the guide-price tool gives a range for your own size. After the survey you get a written price before anything is agreed.
Will my neighbours in Lowestoft 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 much does a side return extension cost?
Our guide range is about £2,230 to £4,030 per m² including VAT, so a typical 2 m × 5.5 m infill lands around £27,500 to £35,000 at standard spec in Lowestoft, 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 Lowestoft
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.