Timber frame extensions in Tunbridge Wells
Thinking about a timber frame extension for your Tunbridge Wells home? Start with a free site visit: we measure up, check what the council will allow and give you honest guide figures on the day.
- Guide price in Tunbridge WellsFrom £23,500 inc VAT
- PlanningOften permitted development (3–4 m), or prior approval up to 6–8 m
- Build time8–14 weeks on site
- Postcode districtsTN1, TN2, TN3, TN4

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.
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.
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).
When a timber frame extension makes sense
- Contemporary designs with timber or board cladding
- Homeowners who want strong energy performance
- Sites where weight or speed matters
Guide prices for Tunbridge Wells
Labour and material costs vary across the UK, so for Tunbridge Wells we use our South East England factor (×1.12). The ranges include VAT and exclude design, structural and council fees.
Typical rates in Tunbridge Wells: £1,960 to £3,810 per m² including VAT, depending on specification.
| Size | Essential | Standard | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 m × 4 m 12 m² | £23,500 – £28,500 | £27,500 – £36,000 | £34,500 – £46,000 |
| 4 m × 5 m 20 m² | £39,000 – £47,500 | £45,500 – £59,500 | £58,000 – £76,500 |
| 5 m × 6 m 30 m² | £58,500 – £71,000 | £68,500 – £89,500 | £87,000 – £114,500 |
Try the guide-price tool to see a range for your own size and finish.
Covering Tunbridge Wells
Site visits are available across Tunbridge Wells (TN1, TN2, TN3, TN4). Neighbouring towns we cover include Tonbridge (4 miles), Sevenoaks (10 miles), Maidstone (14 miles), Swanley (19 miles).
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.
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
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
We confirm the build price in writing, based on the approved drawings and the finishes you have chosen.
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 Tunbridge Wells
Will my neighbours in Tunbridge Wells 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.
Can I see a price before committing to anything?
Yes. The guide prices on this page are adjusted for Tunbridge Wells, and the guide-price tool gives a range for your own size. After the survey you get a written price before anything is agreed.
Do you cover all of Tunbridge Wells?
Yes. We cover Tunbridge Wells and the surrounding parts of Kent. Site visits are free and there is no obligation.
Does a timber frame extension need planning permission?
The same planning rules apply as for any extension. If the cladding looks different from the house, permitted development’s matching-materials condition may mean an application is needed.
Is timber frame cheaper than brick?
It is similar overall. The frame can save time on site, but the cladding choice has a big effect on cost. Our guide range is about £1,960 to £3,810 per m² including VAT.
Book a free site visit in Tunbridge Wells
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.