What is a side extension?
A side extension builds into the space beside a semi-detached or detached house, often over a driveway or side passage. It can be single-storey, for a utility room, downstairs toilet or study, or two-storey to add a bedroom above.
How much does a side extension cost in Lytham St Annes?
In Lytham St Annes, a side extension typically costs £1,600–£2,500 per m² of floor area, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). For a typical 28 m² project that is roughly £45,000–£70,000. Building costs in the North West run about 6% below the UK average, and the figures for Lytham St Annes are adjusted to reflect that. Design, structural calculations and council fees are extra.
| Size or type | Guide range |
|---|---|
| Smaller project (20 m²) | £32,000–£50,000 |
| Typical project (28 m²) | £45,000–£70,000 |
| Larger project (39 m²) | £62,500–£97,500 |
| Rate per m² | £1,600–£2,500 |
The main things that change the cost:
- Drains, gas meters or soil pipes that need moving
- Single or two storeys
- Roof design and tile matching
- Steel work where the side wall is opened
A guide range is only a starting point: the guide price tool gives an instant figure for your size, and a free survey turns it into a fixed quote.
Do you need planning permission for a side extension in Lytham St Annes?
Approvals for a side extension in Lytham St Annes follow the rules for England. In England a single-storey side extension can be permitted development if it is no more than 4 metres high and no wider than half the width of the original house. Side extensions of more than one storey always need planning permission, as do side extensions in conservation areas, National Parks and National Landscapes.
Building regulations approval comes from the council’s building control service or a registered building control approver. The work is inspected at key stages, such as foundations, drainage and insulation, and a completion certificate is issued at the end.
Our first visit includes a check of your planning history, so you know the route before paying for drawings.
What we handle
On a typical side extension we handle:
- Opening into the existing house
- Survey of the boundary, drains and access
- Planning drawings and application
- Foundations and drainage alterations
- Electrics, heating and plastering
- Structural calculations
How long does it take?
Allow 10 to 16 weeks on site depending on size and storeys. Design and approvals come first and typically take 3 to 4 months, depending on the approval route.
Building in Lytham St Annes
The North West has many brick terraces and inter-war semis, where kitchen extensions and dormer loft conversions add space without moving.
From FY8 outwards, we take on projects throughout Lytham St Annes and the surrounding parts of Lancashire.
How it works
- 01
Visit and measured survey
A free visit to understand the project, check access and take measurements.
- 02
Drawings and written quote
We prepare the design and give you a written, itemised quote with inclusions and exclusions.
- 03
Approvals in place
We handle planning, building control and neighbour notices before work starts.
- 04
Construction and completion
We build, put right any snags and hand over the building control certificate.
Questions about side extensions in Lytham St Annes
Will I lose my driveway?
A side extension often takes the side drive. We look at whether parking can be kept at the front and whether a dropped kerb is needed.
How much does a side extension cost in Lytham St Annes?
In Lytham St Annes, a side extension typically costs £1,600–£2,500 per m² of floor area, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). A typical 28 m² project comes to roughly £45,000–£70,000. Your fixed price depends on the survey and drawings.
Will a two-storey side extension look odd?
Not if it is designed well. Setting it back from the front and keeping the roof lower than the main ridge usually gives a natural look and is what most councils ask for.
How long does it take?
Roughly 10 to 16 weeks on site once approvals are in place, depending on whether it is one or two storeys.
Who approves a side extension in Lytham St Annes?
Planning matters in Lytham St Annes go to the council covering your address, and the work needs building control approval. We prepare and submit the applications for you.