Side Return Extension

MyHomePlans - Innovative Architecture Solutions

Project Overview

This project focused on reclaiming an underused side return to dramatically improve the internal layout of a traditional terraced house. By extending into the narrow space along the side boundary, the project transformed a cramped, dark kitchen into a bright, open, and highly functional living space without significantly altering the external appearance of the property.

Delivered entirely online by MyHomePlans, the project combined planning-led design, photorealistic 3D visualisation, and technical construction drawings to ensure clarity, confidence, and buildability from day one.

Project Type: Side Return Extension
Property Type: Terraced House
Service: Full Online Architectural Design

Delivery: Nationwide | No site visits required

Existing Property (Before)

existing property description and client brief

Existing Property

Key Limitations of the Existing Layout:

The original property featured a narrow galley-style kitchen typical of many terraced houses. Along the side boundary was an unused external passage, which offered significant potential but was not contributing to the internal living space.

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Key Limitations of the Existing Layout:

Narrow, restrictive kitchen
Poor natural daylight
Inefficient circulation
Underutilised side return space
Limited connection between kitchen and dining areas

Although the house was structurally sound, the ground floor layout no longer met modern living expectations.

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Client Brief

Key Limitations of the Existing Layout:

Client Brief

The client approached MyHomePlans with a clear and focused brief:

Widen the existing kitchen space
Improve daylight levels dramatically
Maintain a subtle external appearance
Minimise planning risk
Keep the project cost-effective
Fully understand the design before building
Use an online architectural service without site visits

The priority was function and light, rather than a visually dominant extension.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Please reach us at online@myhomeplans.co.uk if you cannot find an answer to your question.

Do side return extensions usually need planning permission?

Many side return extensions can be completed under Permitted Development, depending on the property and location. We assess this at the start of every project and design the extension to minimise planning risk where a full application is required.

How do you bring enough daylight into a side return extension?

Daylight is typically introduced through a combination of glazed roofs, rooflights, and large rear glazing. These features are carefully positioned to prevent the space from feeling long or dark while maintaining privacy and energy efficiency.

Can a side return extension be built right up to the boundary?

Yes, in most cases. Side return extensions are commonly built directly along the boundary, using slimline construction and careful detailing to comply with regulations and avoid issues with neighbouring properties.

Will the new kitchen feel wider or just longer?

A properly designed side return extension makes the space feel significantly wider, not just longer. By infilling the unused side space and opening up the layout, the kitchen becomes more practical, balanced, and enjoyable to use.

Potential Issues Identified

Side return extensions come with specific technical and planning challenges, all of which were identified early.

1. Boundary Constraints

Construction tight to the boundary line
Limited working space
Requirement for slim construction build-ups

2. Daylight Loss

Risk of creating a long, dark internal space
Reduced side-facing window opportunities

3. Planning Sensitivity

Close proximity to neighbouring properties
Overdevelopment concerns in terraced streets

4. Drainage & Services

Existing drainage runs along the side return
Need to maintain access for future maintenance

Our Solutions

Potential Issues Identified

Each challenge was resolved through careful detailing and planning-led design.

Slimline Construction Strategy

Reduced wall thickness where possible
Efficient insulation build-ups
Clean junctions with the existing house

Daylight Maximisation

Glazed roof panels along the side return
Large glazed doors at the rear
Light-coloured internal finishes to enhance light bounce

Planning-Friendly Design

Low-profile roof form
Subtle external appearance
Minimal visual impact from neighbouring viewpoints

Drainage Coordination

Drainage routes identified early
Rerouting solutions shown clearly on drawings
External access maintained

Each challenge was resolved through careful detailing and planning-led design.

Our Proposal

Potential Issues Identified

Our Proposal

MyHomePlans proposed a glazed side return extension that seamlessly integrated with the existing terraced house while dramatically improving internal space and usability.

Key Design Features:

Side return infill extension
Glazed roof for maximum daylight
Open-plan kitchen layout
Minimal external visual change
Strong connection to rear garden

The design focused on quality of space rather than size, ensuring every square metre delivered real value.

MyHomePlans is a professional online home design service, providing architectural design drawings, planning drawings, permitted development assessments, Lawful Development Certificate drawings, and building regulations packages — delivered 100% remotely.

Website Disclaimer: Information provided on this website is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal or planning advice. Planning policy, permitted development rights, and building regulations may vary by location and are subject to change. Clients are encouraged to seek confirmation from relevant authorities where required.

Side Return Extension (Terraced House) Project Review

MyHomePlans - Innovative Architecture Solutions

Project Overview

“The side return extension completely transformed our kitchen. The 3D visuals made everything easy to understand, and the drawings were clear enough that our builder had no questions at all.”

existing property description and client brief

Existing Property

Key Limitations of the Existing Layout:

Key Limitations of the Existing Layout:

Key Limitations of the Existing Layout:

Key Limitations of the Existing Layout:

Key Limitations of the Existing Layout:

Client Brief

Key Limitations of the Existing Layout:

Client Brief

Frequently Asked Questions

Potential Issues Identified

Potential Issues Identified

Potential Issues Identified

Potential Issues Identified

1. Boundary Constraints

2. Daylight Loss

3. Planning Sensitivity

4. Drainage & Services

Our Solutions

Potential Issues Identified

Potential Issues Identified

Slimline Construction Strategy

Daylight Maximisation

Planning-Friendly Design

Drainage Coordination

Our Proposal

Potential Issues Identified

Our Proposal

Key Design Features:

proposed scheme by MyHomePlans

Outcome

Estimated Results:

Side Return Extension (Terraced House) Project Review

MyHomePlans - Innovative Architecture Solutions

Project Overview

“The side return extension completely transformed our kitchen. The 3D visuals made everything easy to understand, and the drawings were clear enough that our builder had no questions at all.”

existing property description and client brief

Existing Property

Key Limitations of the Existing Layout:

Key Limitations of the Existing Layout:

Key Limitations of the Existing Layout:

Key Limitations of the Existing Layout:

Key Limitations of the Existing Layout:

Client Brief

Key Limitations of the Existing Layout:

Client Brief

Frequently Asked Questions

Potential Issues Identified

Potential Issues Identified

Potential Issues Identified

Potential Issues Identified

1. Boundary Constraints

2. Daylight Loss

3. Planning Sensitivity

4. Drainage & Services

Our Solutions

Potential Issues Identified

Potential Issues Identified

Slimline Construction Strategy

Daylight Maximisation

Planning-Friendly Design

Drainage Coordination

Our Proposal

Potential Issues Identified

Our Proposal

Key Design Features:

proposed scheme by MyHomePlans

Outcome

Estimated Results:

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