Part single, part two-storey extensions in Bournemouth
Adding a part single, part two-storey extension in Bournemouth gives you two new rooms stacked on one footprint. Here's how we'd approach it, what it typically costs and the rules that apply in England.
The basics for Bournemouth at a glance.
- Postcode districts
- BH1, BH2, BH3, BH4, BH5, BH8 and nearby districts
- County / area
- Dorset, England
- Price region
- South West England
- Guide price
- £74,000–£102,000 (£2,060–£2,830 per m²)
- Approval route
- It may be permitted development if it goes no more than 3 m beyond the original rear wall (counting any single-storey part) and stays 7 m from the rear boundary; otherwise it needs planning permission.
- Nearest towns
- Parkstone (2.9 miles), Christchurch (4.4 miles), Canford Heath (4.4 miles)
- First visit
- Free, no obligation
About a part single, part two-storey extension
A part single, part two-storey extension is an extension where the ground floor is wider or deeper than the floor above, so only part of it rises to two storeys. It usually gives a large kitchen or living area with roof lights below and one bedroom or bathroom above. It is often a good way to add space while limiting the effect on neighbours.
We cover Bournemouth (BH1, BH2, BH3, BH4, BH5, BH8 and nearby districts) and the places around it, including Parkstone (2.9 miles), Christchurch (4.4 miles) and Canford Heath.
What it costs in Bournemouth
A guide price for Bournemouth: around £74,000–£102,000 for a 6 m × 4 m ground floor and a first floor over half of it (36 m² in total). That works out at £2,060–£2,830 per m² of new floor space, including VAT at 20%. Keep a contingency of around 10% for things nobody can see until the ground is opened up.
| Spec | Per m² | A 6 m × 4 m ground floor and a first floor over half of it (36 m² in total) |
|---|---|---|
| Essential | £1,900–£2,610 per m² | £68,000–£94,000 |
| Standard | £2,060–£2,830 per m² | £74,000–£102,000 |
| Premium | £2,470–£3,400 per m² | £89,000–£122,500 |
Planning and building regulations in Bournemouth
In England, the extension can only be permitted development if it goes no more than 3 m beyond the original rear wall and stays at least 7 m from the rear boundary, with matching materials and roof pitch. We check the whole design against the rules, including the 50% garden coverage limit. If any part fails, or extends beyond a side wall on two floors, you need planning permission, costing £548 (or £575 for applications made from 8 December 2026).
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 Bournemouth homes
Light into the kitchen
The single-storey part is the place for roof lights or a lantern, which bring daylight deep into the plan. In England, glazing is normally limited to 25% of the new floor area plus any windows removed, unless calculations show the house still performs, so we plan the balance early.
Structure at the step
The first-floor wall above often sits over the new open-plan space, so it needs a steel beam or frame to carry it. Loads come down at different points than in a full two-storey design, and the engineer sizes the foundations to suit each part.
How we'd run your project
Look at the house
We start in Bournemouth with a free visit: measurements, photos, a look at the loft and drains, and a frank chat about budget.
Drawings and permission
Our designers produce plans and elevations, then we take care of planning or permitted development checks with the council covering Bournemouth.
Price it properly
Once the engineer's calculations are in, we fix the build price in writing, with a clear list of what's included.
Build and hand over
We manage the build from groundworks to decoration-ready finish and hand over with the completion paperwork.
Questions about part single, part two-storey extensions in Bournemouth
How much does a part single, part two-storey extension cost in Bournemouth?
Our guide for South West England, which covers Bournemouth, is £2,060–£2,830 per m² including VAT. A typical project with a 6 m × 4 m ground floor and a first floor over half of it (36 m² in total) comes to about £74,000–£102,000. Design and approval fees are extra, and we fix the build price in writing once the design is agreed.
How long does a part single, part two-storey extension 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.
Who handles building regulations for a project in Bournemouth?
We handle it as part of the project. What's needed in England: building regulations approval (full plans recommended) from the council or a registered building control approver, with a completion certificate at the end. We prepare the drawings and the engineer's calculations, book the inspections and pass you the completion paperwork at the end.
Can I add roof lights to the single-storey part?
Yes. Roof lights or a lantern over the single-storey part are one of the main reasons to choose this design, as they light the middle of a deep kitchen. In England they count towards the Part L glazing allowance, normally 25% of the new floor area plus windows removed, so we balance them with the rear doors.
Which side should the two-storey part go on?
Usually the side furthest from the nearest neighbour's windows, so the single-storey part sits nearest them and keeps their light. Other factors are where the stairs land upstairs, which room needs the extra space and where drains run. We sketch options at the design stage and explain which is most likely to be approved.
Nearby
Other towns near Bournemouth:
Other extensions in Bournemouth
- Rear
- Side
- Wraparound
- Over a garage
- First floor
- Semi-detached
- Detached
- Kitchen and bedrooms
- Bedroom and en-suite
All two-storey extension services in Bournemouth · Part single, part two-storey extensions across Dorset
Send us your postcode and a few details. We'll get back to you to arrange a visit and talk through your options.