Project guideGPDO Class A

Side extension in Slough: Planning Permission Guide

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

75%
approved in Slough
£548
application fee
8 wks
typical decision
½ width
PD side limit

Based on 53 decided applications in Slough over 12 months (40 granted, 13 refused).

Slough has 5 conservation areas, and Green Belt land covers parts of the borough — properties in these areas carry permitted-development restrictions. Around 105 listed buildings are recorded. Slough is not within any AONB, National Park or World Heritage Site.

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Recent side extension decisions in Slough

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

Refused

Lawful development certificate for a proposed single storey side extension

SL32026-08-05
Refused

Construction of a proposed first floor side extension to existing dwelling

SL32026-08-04
Granted

Part retrospective single storey side extension and proposed garage conversion t

SL12026-07-29
Refused

Construction of a single storey side, part rear wrap around extension following

SL32026-07-28
Withdrawn by Applicant

Retrospective application for a front porch and canopy, single storey side exten

SL12026-07-20

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.

Enter your postcode to see the personalised limits for your side extension.

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Typical Costs in South East England

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

Single storey side extensionSouth East England

Cost per m²

£1,750£3,100

construction rate

Typical total

£27,000£50,000

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.

Get a personalised cost estimate based on your actual side extension dimensions.

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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.

Find out exactly which professionals you need for your side extension.

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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.

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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