Side extension in Chorley: Planning Permission Guide

A complete guide to building a side extension in Chorley, covering permitted development rules, costs, and professional requirements.

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Side extensions in Chorley at a glance

£258

application fee

8

weeks typical

Chorley has conservation areas around Chorley Town Centre, Astley Village, Eccleston, and Croston. Listed buildings cluster around Astley Hall (a Grade I listed 16th-century house) and around several historic village cores. The West Pennine Moors cover parts of the east of the borough. Green Belt covers substantial rural areas. Flood zones apply along the Yarrow and Douglas rivers. The borough mixes Victorian terraces with rural villages and later suburban development.

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Approval probability, 5 nearest comparables, refusal reasons — for your specific address.

Recent side extension decisions in Chorley

The 5 most recent decided applications. Addresses redacted to postcode area.

Permit Full Planning Permission

First floor side extension (retrospective)

PR62026-03-13
Refused

Application for a certificate of lawfulness for a proposed rear dormer, installation of Velux roof windows to front, single storey side e…

PR72026-02-27
Permit Full Planning Permission

Single storey side/front extension

PR72026-02-11
Permit Full Planning Permission

Two single storey side extensions, chimney to the side (south) elevation and elevational alterations

L402026-01-20
Permit Full Planning Permission

Single storey front and side extension

PR72026-01-16

These are borough-wide. See the 5 nearest to your address.

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Permitted Development Rules

Class APart 1

Enlargement, improvement or other alteration of a dwellinghouse

GPDO 2015, Schedule 2, Part 1, Class A

Side extensions are also covered by Part 1, Class A of the GPDO. They must be single storey and cannot exceed half the width of the original house.

Key dimension limits

Max 2.8m width (half of house)Max 4m heightSingle storey only

These are the maximum GPDO limits for a detached house with no constraints. Your actual limits depend on your property type, location, and any planning restrictions.

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Typical Costs in London

Side extension costs in London depend on the width of your side return and the specification of the build.

Single storey side extensionLondon

Cost per m²

£2,000£3,500

construction rate

Typical total

£30,000£55,000

Based on 10–18

Typically includes

FoundationsStructureRoofElectricsPlumbingBasic finishes

Typically excludes

Kitchen fittingPlanning application feeBuilding regs feeParty wall surveyorArchitect fees

Costs vary depending on whether the side return is narrow or full-width.

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Which Professionals Do You Need?

For a side extension, you'll typically need drawings for Building Regulations approval and may need a party wall surveyor if you share a boundary.

You'll need a party wall surveyor for this project.

Architect / designerOptional

A draughtsperson or architectural technician can prepare the plans needed for a single storey extension. A full architect may not be necessary.

Typical fee: £1,500£3,500 (Plans + Building Regs)

Structural engineerRecommended

Single storey extensions typically need structural calculations for any openings in existing walls and for foundations.

Typical fee: £500£1,500

Party wall surveyorEssential

Your semi-detached house shares a boundary with neighbours. Extensions and loft work within 3 metres of a shared wall trigger the Party Wall Act.

Typical fee: £700£1,500 (per neighbour)

Planning consultantNot needed

This guidance is based on a typical semi-detached house with no special constraints. Listed buildings, conservation areas, and attached properties may require additional professional input.

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Conservation Areas & Listed Buildings

Side extensions are not permitted development in conservation areas or Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. You will need to apply for full planning permission.

Conservation areas

Properties in conservation areas often have reduced permitted development rights. Some project types (like side extensions) lose PD rights entirely. An Article 4 Direction can remove additional PD rights.

Listed buildings

Listed buildings (Grade I, II*, or II) have no permitted development rights at all. Any external alteration requires Listed Building Consent in addition to any planning permission. An architect experienced in heritage work is essential.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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