Kitchen Extension: Design, Cost & Planning Guide in Salisbury
A kitchen extension is the single most popular home improvement project in the UK. The goal is almost always the same: create an open-plan kitchen-diner-living space that flows to the garden. Here is what Salisbury homeowners — covered by Wiltshire Council — need to know about costs, planning, and timelines.
Kitchen Extension: Design, Cost & Planning Guide rules in Salisbury
Salisbury falls under Wiltshire Council (Wiltshire Council). Wiltshire Council covers a large area including the city of Salisbury and surrounding villages. Salisbury city centre has extensive conservation areas, and parts of the county fall within the Cranborne Chase AONB. Standard PD rules apply outside designated areas.
Planning applications (annual)
~5,000
Average decision time
8 weeks
Conservation areas (Salisbury)
Multiple
Approval rate
~88%
What you need to know
Why extend for a kitchen?
The kitchen is the heart of the modern home, but most British houses were designed with small, separate kitchens. An extension creates the open-plan layout that buyers, families, and estates agents all value. A well-designed kitchen extension transforms how you live and typically adds 5–10% to your property value.
Choosing the right layout
The five most effective kitchen extension layouts are: island kitchen (needs 4.5m+ width), galley with a view, L-shape with peninsula, broken plan (partial walls for zones), and front-to-back open plan (for terraces). We design layouts specific to your property and how you use the space.
Kitchen vs extension budget
The extension (structure, foundations, roof, windows) and the kitchen (units, worktops, appliances) are separate budgets. A common mistake is spending everything on the build and having nothing left for a decent kitchen. We recommend allocating 20–30% of the total budget to the kitchen fit-out.
How much does it cost in Salisbury?
| Item | Typical Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Extension build (20–30m²) | £36,000–£84,000 |
| Kitchen units and worktops | £8,000–£25,000 |
| Appliances | £2,000–£8,000 |
| Bi-fold or sliding doors | £3,000–£8,000 |
| Underfloor heating | £2,000–£4,000 |
| Professional fees | £2,000–£5,000 |
| Total project budget | £55,000–£130,000 |
Prices based on Dorset rates, 2026.
Planning permission in Salisbury
Most kitchen extensions fall under Permitted Development (up to 4m/8m rear projection). However, if you want a larger extension, a wrap-around, or your property is in a designated area, you will need planning permission.
Standard PD rules for rear extensions apply. The kitchen layout, worktops, and appliances do not affect planning — only the external dimensions of the extension matter for PD compliance.
Wiltshire Council — local planning context
Wiltshire Council covers a large area including the city of Salisbury and surrounding villages. Salisbury city centre has extensive conservation areas, and parts of the county fall within the Cranborne Chase AONB. Standard PD rules apply outside designated areas.
Wiltshire Council processes approximately ~5,000 planning applications per year, with an approval rate of ~88%. Average decision time is 8 weeks.
Building regulations
Standard Building Regulations for extensions apply. Additional considerations for kitchens: adequate ventilation (extraction over the hob), drainage for sinks and dishwashers, electrical certification for new circuits, and gas safety certification if relocating the boiler.
Typical timeline
| Phase | Duration |
|---|---|
| Design (extension + kitchen layout) | 3–4 weeks |
| Planning (if required) | 0–8 weeks |
| Extension build | 10–16 weeks |
| Kitchen installation | 2–3 weeks |
| Finishing | 1–2 weeks |
Frequently asked questions
Kitchen Extension: Design, Cost & Planning Guide in other areas
Related guides
- Kitchen Extension: Design, Cost & Planning Guide 2026 — full national guide
- House extension plans in Salisbury
- Kitchen Extension: Design, Cost & Planning Guide cost guide
- Single Storey Rear Extension: Complete Guide 2026
- Side Return Extension Guide: Costs, Planning & Design 2026
- Open-Plan Living Guide: Wall Removal, Costs & Design 2026
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