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 Colne?
In Colne, a side return extension typically costs £2,150–£3,100 per m² of floor area, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). For a typical 12 m² project that is roughly £26,000–£37,000. Building costs in the North West run about 6% below the UK average, and the figures for Colne are adjusted to reflect that. Design, structural calculations and council fees are extra.
| Size or type | Guide range |
|---|---|
| Smaller project (8 m²) | £17,000–£25,000 |
| Typical project (12 m²) | £26,000–£37,000 |
| Larger project (17 m²) | £36,500–£52,500 |
| Rate per m² | £2,150–£3,100 |
The biggest cost drivers are:
- Glazed roof specification
- Moving drains and soil stacks
- Steel beams and propping of the back addition
- Party wall surveyor fees
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 Colne?
Approvals for a side return extension in Colne follow the rules for England. In England a side return infill is treated as a side extension. It may be permitted development if it is single-storey, no more than 4 metres high and no wider than half the original house, but not in a conservation area. Because side returns sit on the boundary, party wall notices are almost always needed.
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 return extension we handle:
- Party wall advice and notices
- Floor levelling, heating and electrics
- Steel beams to remove the side wall
- Glazed or solid roof with insulation
- Building control sign-off
- Drawings and planning or permitted development check
How long does it take?
The build itself usually takes 10 to 14 weeks on site. Allow time beforehand for drawings and approvals, usually 3 to 4 months.
Building in Colne
The North West has many brick terraces and inter-war semis, where kitchen extensions and dormer loft conversions add space without moving.
Colne sits in Lancashire, about 18 miles west of Bradford. We cover the whole of Colne, including postcodes BB8.
How it works
- 01
Survey and brief
We visit, discuss your ideas and budget, and survey the property or site at no cost.
- 02
Design and fixed quote
Drawings, structural calculations and an itemised, fixed price for the agreed specification.
- 03
Permissions sorted
Applications, building control and neighbour arrangements, all before the start date.
- 04
Construction and completion
We build, put right any snags and hand over the building control certificate.
Questions about side return extensions in Colne
How much does a side return extension cost in Colne?
In Colne, a side return extension typically costs £2,150–£3,100 per m² of floor area, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). A typical 12 m² project comes to roughly £26,000–£37,000. Your fixed price depends on the survey and drawings.
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 you build side return extensions in Colne?
Yes. We build side return extensions across Colne, including postcodes BB8. Every project starts with a free home visit.
Does a side return extension need planning permission?
It depends on the design and where you live. In England a side return can sometimes be permitted development, but side extensions in conservation areas and on many terraced streets need an application. We check your house’s rights before designing.
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.