What is a side return extension?
A side return extension fills the narrow passage that runs alongside the back addition of many Victorian and Edwardian terraced houses. It widens a galley kitchen into a proper kitchen-diner, usually with a sloping glazed roof to keep the room bright.
How much does a side return extension cost in Bridgend?
In Bridgend, a side return extension typically costs £2,100–£3,050 per m² of floor area, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). For a typical 12 m² project that is roughly £25,000–£36,500. We start from a UK-wide guide and adjust it for Wales, where labour and materials are typically about 8% below average. Design, structural calculations and council fees are extra.
| Size or type | Guide range |
|---|---|
| Smaller project (8 m²) | £17,000–£24,500 |
| Typical project (12 m²) | £25,000–£36,500 |
| Larger project (17 m²) | £35,500–£52,000 |
| Rate per m² | £2,100–£3,050 |
The main things that change the cost:
- Steel beams and propping of the back addition
- Length of the side return
- Glazed roof specification
- Access through the house for materials
Your exact price depends on the survey and drawings. The guide price tool gives a quick range in the meantime.
Do you need planning permission for a side return extension in Bridgend?
Approvals for a side return extension in Bridgend follow the rules for Wales. In Wales a side return infill is treated as a single-storey side extension: it can be permitted development within the 4 metre height and 50% width limits, but many terraced streets are in conservation areas or have removed rights. Party wall notices are usually needed.
The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 applies in Wales, so notices must be served before work on a shared wall, on the boundary, or excavation close to a neighbour’s foundations.
At the survey we check your house’s planning history and any restrictions, and tell you which route applies.
What we handle
What we take care of:
- Survey of party walls, drains and the existing back addition
- Glazed or solid roof with insulation
- Drawings and planning or permitted development check
- Foundations and drainage, including any build-over agreement
- Floor levelling, heating and electrics
- Party wall advice and notices
How long does it take?
Allow 10 to 14 weeks on site. Design and approvals come first and typically take 3 to 4 months, depending on the approval route.
Building in Bridgend
Terraced houses in Welsh towns often have narrow plots, which suits rear and side return extensions and rear dormers.
Bridgend sits in Mid Glamorgan. We cover the whole of Bridgend, including postcodes CF31.
How it works
- 01
Free visit
We look at the property, talk through what you want and measure up. There is no charge and no obligation.
- 02
Design and fixed quote
Drawings, structural calculations and an itemised, fixed price for the agreed specification.
- 03
Approvals in place
We handle planning, building control and neighbour notices before work starts.
- 04
Build and sign-off
We run the build to a written programme and hand over the completion certificate.
Questions about side return extensions in Bridgend
Can I stay in the house?
Usually, though the kitchen will be out of action for several weeks. We plan a temporary kitchen area where possible.
How much space does a side return add?
Typically 1.5 to 2.5 metres of width along the back addition. It often turns a narrow galley kitchen into a family kitchen-diner.
Is a glass roof too hot or cold?
Modern solar-control double or triple glazing reduces glare and heat loss. Building regulations also limit how much glazing you can have unless the design shows it performs well enough.
Do I need planning permission for a side return extension in Bridgend?
In Wales a side return infill is treated as a single-storey side extension: it can be permitted development within the 4 metre height and 50% width limits, but many terraced streets are in conservation areas or have removed rights. Party wall notices are usually needed.
How much does a side return extension cost in Bridgend?
In Bridgend, a side return extension typically costs £2,100–£3,050 per m² of floor area, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). A typical 12 m² project comes to roughly £25,000–£36,500. Your fixed price depends on the survey and drawings.
Who approves a side return extension in Bridgend?
Planning matters in Bridgend go to the council covering your address, and the work needs building control approval. We prepare and submit the applications for you.