Side Return Extensions
If you live in an older property, especially a Victorian or Edwardian home, chances are you have a narrow side return – a small strip of space running down the side of your house.
A side return extension is a great way to make the most of that space, turning it into a wider kitchen, dining area, or open-plan living space that fits how you actually use your home today. By extending into that narrow strip, usually around a metre or two wide, you can unlock valuable internal space without losing garden space.
A Smart Use Space
That side return area often becomes a dumping ground for bins, bikes, or clutter. But when built into properly, it can give you meaningful extra space. It’s ideal for a kitchen extension, a small home office, or creating a bigger dining area for family meals.
Many side return extensions include a glass roof or large overhead glazing, which helps bring in natural light and make the space feel bright and open. This is important in older homes where light can be limited. With smart design, even just a few square metres can make a difference.
Side Return vs Side Extension
While the terms are often used interchangeably, there is a difference. A side extension refers to any build that pushes outwards to the side of a property.
A side return extension is more specific. It typically applies to Victorian and Edwardian terraced or semi-detached houses that have a rear projection, often an old kitchen or utility wing that juts out from the main house. This creates a narrow strip of land between the house and the boundary, known as the side return.
A side return extension fills in that gap at the ground floor level, and is often used to widen the kitchen or open up the back of the house. It’s a smart, space-efficient way to add internal space without losing much garden.
Planning Permission
Some side return extensions fall under permitted development – but this depends on a few things, including the width of the original house, whether your property has had prior extensions, and if you’re in a conservation area.
If you live in a terraced or semi-detached home, your project may also be subject to the Party Wall Act – particularly if the new wall will be built up to or astride the boundary with a neighbour.
We take care of all this for you. From design and drawings to the building work and regulations, we make sure everything runs smoothly.
An Efficient Extension
A side return extension is one of the most efficient, transformative upgrades you can make to an older home. It’s compact, practical, and delivers real improvement to how you cook, eat, relax, and live.
If you’re ready to explore options, we’ll help you design an extension that gives you the additional space you need and makes it feel like it’s always been there.
Want to turn your side return into something more useful? Get in touch for a free consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need planning permission for a side return extension?
It depends on the size, height, and whether your home is in a conservation area. Some side return extensions are allowed under permitted development, but we’ll always check with your local authority and handle the application if needed. At WMHI, we handle all this for you.
How much space can I gain from a side return extension?
That depends on how much of the return is available, but even gaining a couple of metres in width can add several square metres of usable internal space. It’s often enough to completely reshape a kitchen or create a full dining area.
Will a side return extension add value to my home?
Adding usable living space in a practical part of the home, like the kitchen or dining area, is something buyers look for. A well-designed side return extension can absolutely increase property value.
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