Single-storey rear extensions across East Sussex
A single-storey extension in East Sussex starts with the right design and the right approval route. We take care of both, then build it with our own project management.
- Guide priceFrom £23,500 inc VAT
- PlanningOften permitted development (3–4 m), or prior approval up to 6–8 m
- Towns covered11
- Site visitFree, no obligation
Towns in East Sussex
Do I need planning permission in East Sussex?
In England a single-storey rear extension can usually go up to 3 m beyond the original rear wall of a semi-detached or terraced house, or 4 m on a detached house, without a planning application, provided it is no more than 4 m high, keeps eaves to 3 m within 2 m of a boundary and, with other buildings, covers no more than half the land around the original house. The larger home extension prior approval scheme raises those depths to 6 m and 8 m, with neighbours notified and a 42-day decision.
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.
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).
Working in East Sussex
Towns we cover in East Sussex include Brighton, Eastbourne, Hastings, Hove, Bexhill-on-Sea, Hailsham, Seaford, Crowborough. The South East has a broad mix of 1930s semis, post-war estates, newer developments and period cottages, and many houses have enough garden for a generous rear extension.
What should I budget for a single-storey extension in East Sussex?
Prices below are for East Sussex, using the South East England factor of ×1.12. They are guide ranges including VAT for the build only, not a quote.
Typical rates in East Sussex: £1,960 to £3,810 per m² including VAT, depending on specification.
| Size | Essential | Standard | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 m × 4 m 12 m² | £23,500 – £28,000 | £27,500 – £35,000 | £34,500 – £46,000 |
| 4 m × 5 m 20 m² | £39,000 – £46,000 | £45,500 – £58,500 | £58,000 – £76,500 |
| 5 m × 6 m 30 m² | £58,500 – £69,000 | £68,500 – £87,500 | £87,000 – £114,500 |
Want a range for your exact size? The guide-price tool takes about a minute.
Is a single-storey extension right for your house?
- Homeowners who want open-plan living onto the garden
- Semi-detached and detached houses with a usable rear garden
- Terraced houses that want a deeper kitchen across the full width
What happens next
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
First, a site visit: we look at the house, garden, access and drains and listen to what you need.
Design and approvals
Drawings are prepared and agreed with you, then submitted for the right planning route and building regulations approval.
Fixed written price
The price is fixed in writing once the design is settled, with a clear programme and payment stages.
Build and sign-off
Our team builds the extension, keeps you updated weekly and finishes with building control sign-off.
Single-storey extension questions answered
How long does a single-storey extension take to build in East Sussex?
On site, typically 10 to 16 weeks once approvals are in place. Before that, allow 4–12 weeks design and approvals.
Who do I contract with for a single-storey extension in East Sussex?
Your contract is with S&K Property Investments and Improvement Ltd, which designs and manages the project and the build teams who carry it out.
Will my neighbours in East Sussex 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 single-storey extension cost per square metre?
Our guide range is about £1,960 to £3,810 per m² including VAT, depending on specification. A standard-spec 4 m × 5 m room usually lands at £45,500 to £58,500 in East Sussex, plus design and council fees.
Will I need a steel beam?
Almost always. Opening up the rear wall to join the new room to the house needs a beam, usually steel, sized by a structural engineer. It is included in our quotes.
Book a free site visit in East Sussex
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.