Surbiton and Kingston upon Thames are both in the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames, which handles planning and building control. The area mixes substantial Victorian houses near Surbiton station and Kingston town centre, Edwardian houses, and 1930s semis towards Tolworth, Berrylands and Chessington. Outside conservation areas, many single-storey rear extensions are permitted development or can use prior approval for up to 6 metres (8 metres detached). Several conservation areas cover parts of Surbiton, where tighter rules apply. Prohaus is based in Kingston, and extensions start from £60,000 plus VAT.
Key takeaways
- One council for Kingston, Surbiton, Tolworth, Berrylands, New Malden and Chessington.
- Check whether your street is in one of the borough’s conservation areas before designing.
- Victorian houses suit rear and side return extensions; 1930s semis suit rear, wrap-around and hip-to-gable lofts.
- A straightforward single-storey rear extension typically takes about 10 to 14 weeks on site.
- Prohaus has completed extensions, a loft conversion and a garden office in the borough.
01House types and the extensions that suit them
| House type | Typical location | Extensions that work |
|---|---|---|
| Substantial Victorian houses | Near Surbiton station, Victoria Road, Kingston town centre, Norbiton | Rear and side return extensions, loft conversions |
| Edwardian houses and semis | Across Surbiton and Kingston | Rear and wrap-around extensions |
| 1930s semis | Tolworth, Berrylands, Chessington, New Malden | Rear and wrap-around extensions, hip-to-gable lofts |
| Post-war and newer homes | Throughout the borough | Rear extensions, garage conversions |
Swipe the table sideways to see every column.
Read our guide to renovating a 1930s semi.
02Planning in the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames
Conservation areas
The borough has 26 conservation areas. Around Kingston they include Kingston Old Town, Fairfield/Knight’s Park, Liverpool Road, Grove Crescent, Park Road, Richmond Road and Coombe Hill. Around Surbiton they include Surbiton Town Centre, Surbiton Hill Park, St Andrew’s Square, Oakhill and Victoria Avenue. Check the council’s conservation area map for your exact street.
In a conservation area, side extensions, two-storey rear extensions and roof enlargements need planning permission, and prior approval for larger rear extensions is not available. See our conservation area guide.
Outside conservation areas
| Project | Typical route |
|---|---|
| Single-storey rear extension up to 3 m (semi or terrace) or 4 m (detached) | Permitted development |
| Single-storey rear extension up to 6 m or 8 m | Prior approval |
| Side extension within limits | Permitted development |
| Two-storey or larger extensions | Planning permission |
Swipe the table sideways to see every column.
If planning is needed, the council’s target for a householder decision is eight weeks. Building regulations approval is always required. See our planning permission guide.
03Recent Prohaus projects in the borough
- Barnfield Avenue, Kingston: a single-storey extension wrapping the side and rear of a semi-detached house, finished in white with anthracite sliding doors onto a raised terrace, creating an open-plan kitchen and dining room lit by rooflights, plus a new walk-in shower room.
- Staunton Road, Kingston: a single-storey rear extension to a period house in London stock brick, with a pitched roof, vaulted ceiling, rooflights and slim-framed sliding doors; the kitchen was renovated at the same time.
- Grange Road, Chessington: a loft conversion with a double bedroom, en-suite, rooflights and a built-in oak desk.
- Maple Road, Surbiton: a detached brick garden office on ground-screw foundations, with black-framed glazed doors, external wall lights and a new path to the house.
See our Kingston page and Surbiton page.
04Costs
| Project | Prohaus guide price (plus VAT) |
|---|---|
| Rear or side extension | From £60,000 |
| Loft conversion | From £50,000 |
| Larger renovation or conversion | From £100,000 |
| Kitchen or bathroom | From £4,500 |
| Bespoke joinery | From £1,200 |
Swipe the table sideways to see every column.
Guide prices were reviewed in September 2026 and are confirmed in an itemised quotation after a site visit. See our house extension cost guide.
05How a Prohaus project runs
- Conversation about goals, budget, timing and any drawings.
- Site visit to assess structure, services and access.
- Quotation, written and itemised.
- Build, with trades and deliveries coordinated and attention to parking, noise and neighbours.
- Handover, with a walkthrough and snagging.
Every project runs under a written, agreed contract with a 1-year guarantee. Gas and electrical work is carried out and certified by appropriately registered subcontractors.
06Frequently asked questions
Is Surbiton in the same council as Kingston?
Yes. Surbiton is part of the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames, so planning, building control and conservation policy all go through Kingston Council.
Do I need planning permission for an extension in Surbiton?
It depends on the location and design. Many single-storey rear extensions outside conservation areas are permitted development. In conservation areas and where Article 4 directions apply, more work needs permission.
Do you work in Tolworth, Berrylands, New Malden and Chessington?
Yes. All are in the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames, and we have completed a loft conversion in Chessington.
How long does an extension take in Kingston?
A straightforward single-storey rear extension typically takes about 10 to 14 weeks on site. See our extension timeline guide.
+Keep reading
Services and areas mentioned in this guide:
About Prohaus
Prohaus Ltd is a building company based in Kingston upon Thames, registered in 2015 and built on more than 20 years of residential building experience. We carry out extensions, loft conversions, renovations, new builds, kitchens and bathrooms, glazing, bespoke joinery and garden offices across Kingston, Surbiton, Richmond, Barnes, Putney, Fulham, Chelsea, Clapham and Wimbledon. Every project runs under a written contract with a 1-year guarantee.
Talk to your local builder
Prohaus is based in Kingston upon Thames. Send your address, photos and a short description of the space you want, and we will arrange a site visit and a written, itemised quotation. See our house extensions page.
