Orpington side return extensions, designed and built
We design and build side return extensions for houses in Orpington, with a written price once the survey and design are done and one point of contact throughout.
- Guide price in OrpingtonFrom £23,000 inc VAT
- PlanningOften permitted development; party wall notice usual
- Build time10–14 weeks on site
- Postcode districtsBR5, BR6
What should I budget for a side return extension in Orpington?
These guide figures apply our London adjustment (×1.3) to national rates. They include VAT at 20% and cover the build itself; design and council fees are listed separately.
Typical rates in Orpington: £2,730 to £4,940 per m² including VAT, depending on specification.
| Size | Essential | Standard | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.8 m × 4.5 m 8 m² | £23,000 – £28,000 | £24,500 – £31,500 | £31,000 – £40,000 |
| 2 m × 5.5 m 11 m² | £30,000 – £36,000 | £34,000 – £43,000 | £42,500 – £54,500 |
| 2.2 m × 7 m 15 m² | £40,500 – £49,000 | £46,500 – £58,500 | £58,500 – £74,500 |
Want a range for your exact size? The guide-price tool takes about a minute.
What is included
- Survey of the outrigger, boundary wall and drainage
- Party wall notice support (England and Wales)
- Kitchen-ready shell or full finish
- Removal of the side wall and new steelwork
- New boundary wall or raised party wall
Do I need planning permission in Orpington?
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.
The planning position for a specific Orpington address depends on its history and any designations, which is why we check it at the first visit.
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.
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).
Extensions in and around Orpington
Postcode districts we cover around Orpington include BR5, BR6. The same team covers Chislehurst (3 miles), Bexley (5 miles), Eltham (6 miles), Beckenham (6 miles), all within easy reach.
Swanley, in Kent, is roughly 4 miles from Orpington and also on our list. 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.
Our process, step by step
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 Orpington home, measure up, talk through what you want and check the planning position.
Design and approvals
Drawings are prepared and agreed with you, then submitted for the right planning route and building regulations approval.
Fixed written price
With the design and specification agreed, you get a fixed written price and a start date.
Build and sign-off
The build is managed from start to finish, inspected at each stage and signed off on completion.
Your questions about a side return extension in Orpington
Can I see a price before committing to anything?
Yes. The guide prices on this page are adjusted for Orpington, 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 Orpington 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 Orpington?
Yes. Almost every extension needs it, whatever the planning route. We prepare the drawings and book the inspections.
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.
How much does a side return extension cost?
Our guide range is about £2,730 to £4,940 per m² including VAT, so a typical 2 m × 5.5 m infill lands around £34,000 to £43,000 at standard spec in Orpington, more in London.
Book a free site visit in Orpington
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.