Wraparound extension in City of London: Planning Permission Guide

Your guide to wraparound extensions in City of London — combining rear and side extensions under one project.

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Wraparound extensions in City of London at a glance

£258

application fee

8

weeks typical

The City of London is almost entirely conservation area, with extensive listed building coverage reflecting centuries of heritage. Residential permitted development is extremely limited due to the dense mix of commercial and listed contexts. Any external alteration typically requires both full planning permission and listed building consent. The City Corporation maintains detailed design guidance for each conservation area.

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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

A wraparound extension combines a rear and side extension. It's assessed under Part 1, Class A of the GPDO and must comply with the limits for both rear depth and side width.

Key dimension limits

Rear: up to 4m depthSide: max 2.8m widthMax 4m height, single storey

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

Wraparound extensions cost more than a simple rear or side extension due to the larger footprint and more complex structural requirements.

Single storey wraparound extensionLondon

Cost per m²

£2,000£3,500

construction rate

Typical total

£45,000£90,000

Based on 20–30

Typically includes

FoundationsStructureRoofElectricsPlumbingBasic finishes

Typically excludes

Kitchen fittingPlanning application feeBuilding regs feeParty wall surveyorArchitect fees

Combines rear and side extension. Costs at the higher end due to larger footprint and structural complexity.

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Which Professionals Do You Need?

Wraparound extensions have complex geometry with multiple roof junctions and typically benefit from professional design input.

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

Architect / designerRecommended

Wraparound extensions have complex geometry with multiple roof junctions that benefit from professional design.

Typical fee: £2,000£5,000 (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

In conservation areas, the side element of a wraparound extension is not permitted development. The rear element is limited to 3 metres depth.

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.

Check if your property is in a conservation area or has other planning constraints.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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