Single-storey rear extensions for homes in Luton
If you live in Luton and want more space without moving, a single-storey extension is one of the most practical ways to get it. We handle the drawings, approvals and the build.
- Guide price in LutonFrom £22,000 inc VAT
- PlanningOften permitted development (3–4 m), or prior approval up to 6–8 m
- Build time10–16 weeks on site
- Postcode districtsLU1, LU2, LU3, LU4, LU5

Will the council need to approve it?
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.
The planning position for a specific Luton address depends on its history and any designations, which is why we check it at the first visit.
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).
What we take care of
- Planning route checked and the right approval obtained
- Flat or pitched roof, rooflights or lantern
- Measured survey and design
- Walls, steel beams and the new opening into the house
- Building regulations drawings and structural calculations
Covering Luton
Across LU1, LU2, LU3, LU4, LU5, LU6, we can visit, measure and advise. Nearby, we also take on projects in Dunstable (5 miles), Leighton Buzzard (11 miles), Ampthill (11 miles), Kempston (17 miles).
Across the East of England many houses sit on generous plots, and single-storey and wraparound extensions are a natural fit.
Single-storey extension prices in Luton
Labour and material costs vary across the UK, so for Luton we use our East of England factor (×1.06). The ranges include VAT and exclude design, structural and council fees.
Typical rates in Luton: £1,860 to £3,600 per m² including VAT, depending on specification.
| Size | Essential | Standard | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 m × 4 m 12 m² | £22,000 – £26,500 | £26,000 – £33,500 | £33,000 – £43,500 |
| 4 m × 5 m 20 m² | £37,000 – £43,500 | £43,000 – £55,500 | £55,000 – £72,500 |
| 5 m × 6 m 30 m² | £55,500 – £65,500 | £65,000 – £83,000 | £82,500 – £108,500 |
Try the guide-price tool to see a range for your own size and finish.
How the project works
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
A designer visits, takes measurements and photos, and discusses layouts, budget and timing with you.
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
The price is fixed in writing once the design is settled, with a clear programme and payment stages.
Build and sign-off
We build it with one project manager, book the building control inspections and hand over the completion certificate.
Common questions in Luton
Do you cover all of Luton?
Yes. We cover Luton and the surrounding parts of Bedfordshire. Site visits are free and there is no obligation.
How long does a single-storey extension take to build in Luton?
On site, typically 10 to 16 weeks once approvals are in place. Before that, allow 4–12 weeks design and approvals.
Will my neighbours in Luton 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.
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.
Can I stay in the house during the build?
Usually yes. Most of the work happens outside until the final weeks, when we open the rear wall. We plan that stage carefully and seal the opening with a temporary screen to keep dust down.
Book a free site visit in Luton
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.