Project guideGPDO Class A

Side extension in Salford: Planning Permission Guide

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

80%
approved in Salford
£548
application fee
8 wks
typical decision
½ width
PD side limit

Based on 30 decided applications in Salford over 12 months (24 granted, 6 refused).

Salford has conservation areas including Worsley Village, Monton Green, Swinton, and parts of Broughton. Listed buildings cluster around the 18th-century Worsley canalside heritage and Salford Cathedral. The Bridgewater Canal corridor adds heritage considerations. Flood zones apply along the Irwell, the Ship Canal, and in parts of Salford Quays. The borough mixes regenerated dockland, Victorian terraces, and distinct village cores.

Council planning portalPre-application advice

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Personalised odds

5 nearest comparables & refusal reasons for your address.

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Recent side extension decisions in Salford

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

Granted

Erection of a single storey side, rear and front porch extension

M442026-07-03
Refused

Demolition of the existing side extension and erection of a new dwelling with associated parking together with sub-division of the curtilage

M302026-06-25
Granted

Proposed single-storey side extension with raise in ridge height to form dormer extension to side

M282026-06-22
Granted

Proposed single storey side extension

M282026-06-19
Refused

Proposed two-storey side extension and front porch extension

M72026-06-09

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 Greater Manchester

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

Single storey side extensionGreater Manchester

Cost per m²

£1,500£2,800

construction rate

Typical total

£22,000£45,000

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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