Gateshead · Tyne and Wear

Two-storey extensions for detached houses in Gateshead

For a two-storey extension for a detached house in Gateshead, the first questions are always the same: how big, which approvals, and what it will cost. This page answers all three for Tyne and Wear.

Before you start in Gateshead, here's what applies.

Postcode districts
NE8
County / area
Tyne and Wear, England
Price region
North East England
Guide price
£77,500–£104,000 (£1,840–£2,480 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
Newcastle upon Tyne (0.9 miles), Felling (1.4 miles), Gosforth (2.7 miles)
Distance to Newcastle upon Tyne
about 0.9 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.

We cover postcode district NE8 in and around Gateshead, along with neighbouring Newcastle upon Tyne, Felling and Gosforth.

What it costs in Gateshead

Most of the cost of a two-storey extension for a detached house is set by its size and specification. For Gateshead and the rest of North East England, our guide is £1,840–£2,480 per m² including VAT, so about £77,500–£104,000 for a 3 m × 7 m footprint on two floors (42 m² of new floor space). Design fees, structural calculations and approval fees are separate and listed on our prices page.

SpecPer m²A 3 m × 7 m footprint on two floors (42 m² of new floor space)
Essential£1,700–£2,280 per m²£71,500–£95,500
Standard£1,840–£2,480 per m²£77,500–£104,000
Premium£2,210–£2,970 per m²£93,000–£124,500

Planning and building regulations in Gateshead

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 Gateshead 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. Look at the house

    We start in Gateshead with a free visit: measurements, photos, a look at the loft and drains, and a frank chat about budget.

  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. Technical design

    We prepare the building regulations drawings, structural calculations and specification so the build price can be fixed.

  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 Gateshead

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

Our guide for North East England, which covers Gateshead, is £1,840–£2,480 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 £77,500–£104,000. Design and approval fees are extra, and we fix the build price in writing once the design is agreed.

Which postcodes do you cover around Gateshead?

We cover Gateshead (NE8) and nearby places including Newcastle upon Tyne, Felling and Gosforth, plus the rest of Tyne and Wear. The first site visit is free.

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

Gateshead 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 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

Close to Gateshead? We work across the area, including:

Other extensions in Gateshead

All two-storey extension services in Gateshead · Two-storey extensions for detached houses across Tyne and Wear

Tell us about your house in Gateshead and we'll call you back to arrange a free, no-obligation visit.

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