Single-Storey Rear Extension

Project Overview

This three-bedroom mid-terrace on Bensham Lane had a small rear kitchen that doubled as a laundry room and the only access to the garden. The family of five needed more space but didn’t want to move out of the area, where they were close to schools and the station. A rear extension under Permitted Development was the most practical option.

We built a 4m single-storey rear extension under the Prior Approval process, which allows terraced houses to extend up to 6m without full planning permission, subject to neighbour consultation. The extension houses a new open-plan kitchen with dining space for six, with sliding doors opening onto the garden. The old kitchen was converted into a playroom for the children, with a new utility cupboard built into the understair space for the washing machine and dryer.

The build was straightforward but required careful coordination: the rear alley had restricted access, so all materials were carried through the house during the first week before we closed off the internal opening. We used a mini-excavator for the foundations, which just fitted through the side gate. The exterior is finished in self-coloured render to match the existing rear wall, with an anthracite grey aluminium sliding door system.