Single-storey rear extensions for homes in Gillingham
A single-storey extension in Gillingham 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 GillinghamFrom £23,500 inc VAT
- PlanningOften permitted development (3–4 m), or prior approval up to 6–8 m
- Build time10–16 weeks on site
- Postcode districtsME1, ME2, ME4, ME5, ME7
Local to Gillingham
Across ME1, ME2, ME4, ME5, ME7, ME8, we can visit, measure and advise. Neighbouring towns we cover include Chatham (1 mile), Rochester (2 miles), Strood (3 miles), Gravesend (8 miles).
Canvey Island, in Essex, is roughly 9 miles from Gillingham and also on our list. In the South East, plenty of houses have already been extended once, which makes checking the remaining permitted development allowance an important early step.
Included in a typical project
- Flat or pitched roof, rooflights or lantern
- Building regulations drawings and structural calculations
- Measured survey and design
- Doors, windows, insulation, plastering and first fix to finish
- Planning route checked and the right approval obtained
What should I budget for a single-storey extension in Gillingham?
These guide figures apply our South East England adjustment (×1.12) to national rates. They include VAT at 20% and cover the build itself; design and council fees are listed separately.
Typical rates in Gillingham: £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 |
For a figure based on your own dimensions, use our guide-price tool.
Do I need planning permission in Gillingham?
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.
In a conservation area, national park, National Landscape, the Broads or a World Heritage Site the permitted development limits are tighter (no side or two-storey extensions without an application). Listed homes need listed building consent, and if permitted development rights have been removed, any extension needs an application.
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 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).
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
It starts with a visit to your house to measure, check access and talk through ideas and budget.
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
Our team builds the extension, keeps you updated weekly and finishes with building control sign-off.
Common questions in Gillingham
Do I need building regulations approval in Gillingham?
Yes. Almost every extension needs it, whatever the planning route. We prepare the drawings and book the inspections.
Do you cover all of Gillingham?
Yes. We cover Gillingham and the surrounding parts of Kent. Site visits are free and there is no obligation.
Will my neighbours in Gillingham 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 deep can a single-storey rear extension be without planning permission?
In England, up to 3 m beyond the original rear wall on a semi-detached or terraced house and 4 m on a detached house, within height and boundary limits. Through the larger home extension prior approval scheme those depths rise to 6 m and 8 m. Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland use their own rules, which we check for your address.
Flat roof or pitched roof?
Flat roofs give more headroom inside and suit lanterns and rooflights; pitched roofs can blend better with older houses. Both meet building regulations when built properly. See our flat roof and pitched roof pages for the details.
Book a free site visit in Gillingham
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.