Chichester · West Sussex

Two-storey extensions for detached houses in Chichester

A two-storey extension for a detached house is one of the most space-efficient ways to add bedrooms and living space to a house in Chichester, because the new floors share one set of foundations and one roof.

Useful details for planning a two-storey extension for a detached house in Chichester.

Postcode districts
PO18 and PO19
County / area
West Sussex, England
Price region
South East England
Guide price
£94,500–£127,000 (£2,260–£3,030 per m²)
Approval route
Depends on position: a two-storey rear extension may be permitted development (3 m deep, 7 m from the rear boundary); a two-storey side extension needs planning permission.
Nearest towns
Westergate (4.8 miles), Bognor Regis (5.8 miles), Barnham (6.2 miles)
Distance to Crawley
about 32.2 miles
First visit
Free, no obligation

About a two-storey extension for a detached house

This service suits you if you own a detached house and want a substantial amount of extra space, whether a side extension over a drive, a rear extension into the garden or a wraparound. You get a survey of the whole plot, options that compare layouts and costs, the approvals your nation needs, structural design and the build, carried out by vetted teams working under S&K.

Around Chichester we also work in Westergate, Bognor Regis and Barnham, and across the rest of West Sussex. Postcode districts in and near Chichester: PO18 and PO19.

What it costs in Chichester

A guide price for Chichester: around £94,500–£127,000 for a 3 m × 7 m footprint on two floors (42 m² of new floor space). That works out at £2,260–£3,030 per m² of new floor space, including VAT at 20%. Kitchens, bathroom fittings and flooring are priced separately so you can compare like with like.

SpecPer m²A 3 m × 7 m footprint on two floors (42 m² of new floor space)
Essential£2,070–£2,780 per m²£87,000–£117,000
Standard£2,260–£3,030 per m²£94,500–£127,000
Premium£2,710–£3,630 per m²£113,500–£152,500

Planning and building regulations in Chichester

In England, a two-storey rear extension on a detached house can be permitted development within 3 m of the original rear wall and at least 7 m from the rear boundary, with matching roof pitch and materials, outside protected areas. Any two-storey side or wraparound extension needs planning permission, costing £548 (or £575 for applications made from 8 December 2026), with a decision due within 8 weeks of validation.

Approval in England: Householder planning application: £548 (or £575 for applications made from 8 December 2026). Lawful development certificate: £274 (about £288 for applications from 8 December 2026). Councils should decide householder applications within 8 weeks of validation.

Building regulations: Building regulations approval (full plans recommended) from the council or a registered building control approver, with a completion certificate at the end.

Design points for Chichester homes

Larger spans and steelwork

Bigger extensions often mean wider openings and longer spans, which need more steel and sometimes a steel frame. The engineer designs these early, because the size of the steel affects ceiling heights, floor depths and the cost.

Keeping it subordinate

Large detached houses can take a large extension, but councils still expect it to look secondary to the main house. A lower ridge, a modest set-back at the front and matching materials keep the proportions right, even on a wide plot.

How we'd run your project

  1. Measure and listen

    A visit to Chichester to understand how you live in the house now and what the extra rooms need to do, plus a first look at the structure.

  2. Design and approvals

    We draw the extension and check it against the rules for England, then apply for planning permission or a certificate of lawfulness, whichever fits.

  3. Fixed price in writing

    With approved drawings and calculations, we give you a fixed build price and a programme you can plan around.

  4. Finish and certify

    Second fix, plastering and making good, then building control's final inspection and the completion paperwork.

Questions about two-storey extensions for detached houses in Chichester

Do I need planning permission for a two-storey extension for a detached house in Chichester?

Chichester is in England, so England planning rules apply. Depends on position: a two-storey rear extension may be permitted development (3 m deep, 7 m from the rear boundary); a two-storey side extension needs planning permission. If in doubt, a lawful development certificate or a planning application gives you certainty before you build.

How much does a two-storey extension for a detached house cost in Chichester?

Our guide for South East England, which covers Chichester, is £2,260–£3,030 per m² including VAT. A typical project with a 3 m × 7 m footprint on two floors (42 m² of new floor space) comes to about £94,500–£127,000. Design and approval fees are extra, and we fix the build price in writing once the design is agreed.

How long does a two-storey extension for a detached house take?

Allow 4 to 8 weeks for survey and design, then the approval period (councils should decide householder applications within 8 weeks of validation), then 4 to 8 weeks of technical design, which can overlap. The build itself usually takes 14 to 20 weeks, longer for large or complex designs.

How big an extension can a detached house take?

It depends on the plot, the boundaries and local design policy rather than a fixed limit. Under permitted development in England, extensions must not cover more than 50% of the land around the original house. With planning permission, the council judges size on proportion, neighbours and the character of the area.

Can I extend a detached house on both sides?

Sometimes. With planning permission, a council may accept extensions on both sides if the house stays well proportioned and keeps gaps to the boundaries. It is more common to extend on one side and the rear, or with a wraparound. We look at the plot as a whole before suggesting more than one extension.

Nearby

The same service in neighbouring towns:

Other extensions in Chichester

All two-storey extension services in Chichester · Two-storey extensions for detached houses across West Sussex

Send us your postcode and a few details. We'll get back to you to arrange a visit and talk through your options.

CallGuide price