Single-storey extensions in Solihull

What should you know before starting in Solihull?

Planning applications and lawful development certificates for Solihull go to Solihull Council. Many single-storey extensions fall under permitted development, but not every house keeps those rights — conditions on newer estates, conservation areas and Article 4 directions can remove them. The structural work also needs Building Regulations approval, through the council's building control team or a registered building control approver.

Every extension needs Building Regulations approval, even when planning permission isn't required.
Detached houses get a little more room: 4 metres as standard, or up to 8 metres with prior approval.
Under permitted development, a rear extension on a semi or terrace can usually project 3 metres from the original back wall, or 6 metres through the prior approval route.

Postcode district: B91
Planning and building control: Solihull Council
From our West Bromwich base: About 12 miles to the centre

Which option fits your home?

Flat roof or pitched roof

Flat roofs, usually GRP fibreglass or EPDM rubber, keep the height down near boundaries and suit roof lanterns. Pitched or lean-to roofs with tiles to match the house look more traditional and shed rain faster, but need more height. The choice affects permitted development limits, cost, and how much light reaches the existing rooms.

Wrap-around extension

Combines a side and rear extension into an L shape, giving the largest ground-floor gain. Because it extends both sideways and rearwards, a wrap-around normally needs a householder planning application rather than relying on permitted development. Expect more steelwork and a more involved roof where the two sections meet.

Guide prices for Solihull

For a home in Solihull, our guide range is £28,000–£90,000 depending on size and specification. A 4 m × 5 m rear extension on a semi, with roof lights and bifold doors: usually £40,000–£52,000.

Guide prices for single-storey extensions
Option	Guide price	Good to know
Small rear or side extension (10–15 m²)	£28,000 – £40,000	Utility, WC or a modest kitchen extension
Rear kitchen-diner extension (18–25 m²)	£38,000 – £58,000	The glazing spec moves it within the range
Wrap-around or large extension (30 m²+)	£58,000 – £90,000	More steel and roof, and normally a planning application

Guide ranges include VAT where it applies. A free survey turns this guide into a fixed, itemised price.

Your questions answered

Can we live at home during the build?

Yes, most families stay at home throughout. For the first several weeks the work is outside and your house is closed off from it. The disruptive part is the break-through, when the back wall comes out and the kitchen may be out of action for one to three weeks. We agree a plan for a temporary sink and cooking space before that stage starts.

Do you cover the whole of Solihull?

Yes — we cover Solihull from our West Bromwich base, including Birmingham, Warwickshire and Sandwell. Call 0800 088 6248 or send the form on this page to book a free survey.

Do I need to tell my neighbours about an extension?

You don't need their permission for permitted development, but you will usually need to involve them. Under the prior approval route the council writes to adjoining neighbours and gives them 21 days to comment. If the build is on the boundary or the foundations are deep and close to their house, the Party Wall Act requires formal written notice. A friendly conversation before any notice arrives usually makes everything smoother.

Will I need permission from the council in Solihull?

Usually building control, and sometimes planning. Solihull Council is the planning authority for Solihull; Building Regulations approval comes from its building control team or a registered building control approver. We'll tell you which applies after the survey.

Single-storey extensions across Solihull

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