Single-storey rear extensions
A single-storey rear extension is one of the most common ways to add a larger kitchen, dining space or family room, built out into the garden from the back of the house.
Side-return extensions
Where a house has a side passage alongside the kitchen, often found on Victorian and Edwardian terraces, a side-return extension fills that gap to create a wider, more usable kitchen and living space without extending as far into the garden.
Planning permission and permitted development
Many single-storey rear extensions fall under permitted development, subject to limits on how far they project from the original house and how close they come to a boundary. Anything larger, or a side extension facing a street, more often needs a planning application.
Party walls and neighbours
Where new foundations or walls sit close to a shared boundary with a neighbouring property, the Party Wall etc. Act 1996, covered in GOV.UK's guidance, sets out a process for notifying the neighbour and resolving any disagreement before work starts.
Frequently asked questions
Do single-storey extensions always need planning permission?+
Not always. Many fall under permitted development, though this depends on how far the extension projects, its height, and how close it comes to a boundary or a neighbouring property.
What is a side-return extension?+
It's an extension that fills the narrow side passage found alongside many Victorian and Edwardian kitchens, widening the kitchen and living space without building further into the garden.
Do I need to tell my neighbours before extending?+
Where new foundations or walls come close to a shared boundary, the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 sets out a formal process for notifying neighbours, separate from planning permission.
Useful local links
- Reigate and Banstead Borough Council – Planning — The planning authority covering Reigate itself, along with Redhill, Horley, Banstead and several nearby villages.
- Mole Valley District Council – Do I need planning permission — The planning authority covering Dorking, Ashtead, Leatherhead and several villages southwest of Reigate.
- Epsom and Ewell Borough Council – Planning permission — The planning authority covering Epsom, a separate borough from Reigate and Banstead.
- Tandridge District Council – Planning and building — The planning authority covering Caterham, Nutfield and South Nutfield.
- GOV.UK – Planning permission: when you need it — Government guidance on when planning permission is required in England and Wales.
- GOV.UK – Party Wall etc. Act 1996 guidance — Government guidance on notifying neighbours and resolving disputes over shared or boundary walls, relevant to attached garage conversions and extensions.
- Planning Portal – Garage conversion — National guidance on when planning permission is needed for a garage conversion in England.