Two-storey extensions for detached houses in Tonbridge

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

Postcode districts: TN9, TN10 and TN11
County / area: Kent, 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: Tunbridge Wells (4.3 miles), Sevenoaks (6.5 miles), Crowborough (10.4 miles)
Distance to Maidstone: about 11.6 miles
First visit: Free, no obligation

About a two-storey extension for a detached house

A two-storey extension for a detached house is a two-floor addition to the side, rear or both of a house that stands on its own plot. Detached houses often have room on more than one side, so there is more choice of layout and fewer shared-wall issues. The design still needs to respect boundaries, neighbours' windows and the look of the house.

We cover Tonbridge (TN9, TN10 and TN11) and the places around it, including Tunbridge Wells (4.3 miles), Sevenoaks (6.5 miles) and Crowborough.

What it costs in Tonbridge

A guide price for Tonbridge: 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%. Design fees, structural calculations and approval fees are separate and listed on our prices page.

Spec	Per m²	A 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 Tonbridge

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 Tonbridge homes

Choosing the best side

On a detached house you can often extend on either side or the rear. We look at orientation for daylight, where the stairs and landing are, the distance to each boundary, drains and trees, so the extension goes where it adds the most useful space.

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.

How we'd run your project

Look at the house
We start in Tonbridge with a free visit: measurements, photos, a look at the loft and drains, and a frank chat about budget.
Plans, then approval
Measured survey, design, then the right approval route for your house. We explain each step before we take it.
Detail and price
Construction drawings, engineer's calculations and building control sign-off, then a written fixed price for the build.
On site
One project lead runs the job, keeps you updated and arranges inspections at each stage until completion.

Questions about two-storey extensions for detached houses in Tonbridge

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

Tonbridge 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.

Which postcodes do you cover around Tonbridge?

We cover Tonbridge (TN9, TN10 and TN11) and nearby places including Tunbridge Wells, Sevenoaks and Crowborough, plus the rest of Kent. The first site visit is free.

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

Our guide for South East England, which covers Tonbridge, 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.

Is a detached house extension a better investment than moving?

It often costs less than the gap between your house and a larger one nearby, once property tax, legal fees and removal costs are counted, but that depends on your area. Extending also has limits: every street has a ceiling price. We give you build costs so you can compare them with local asking prices.

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.

Nearby

Other towns near Tonbridge:

Other extensions in Tonbridge

All two-storey extension services in Tonbridge · Two-storey extensions for detached houses across Kent

Ready to talk it through? Call us or send the form and we'll arrange a visit to your home in Tonbridge.