Part single, part two-storey extensions in Formby

Formby: the key facts for this kind of project.

Postcode districts: L37 and L38
County / area: Merseyside, England
Price region: North West England
Guide price: £68,500–£94,000 (£1,900–£2,610 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: Maghull (6 miles), Southport (6.5 miles), Bootle (6.7 miles)
Distance to Liverpool: about 10.9 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.

Formby sits about 10.9 miles from Liverpool. Closer to home, Maghull is 6.0 miles away and Southport 6.5 miles.

What it costs in Formby

In North West England, which includes Formby, we'd expect a part single, part two-storey extension to cost around £68,500–£94,000 for a 6 m × 4 m ground floor and a first floor over half of it (36 m² in total), or £1,900–£2,610 per m² including VAT. 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	£1,750–£2,400 per m²	£63,000–£86,500
Standard	£1,900–£2,610 per m²	£68,500–£94,000
Premium	£2,280–£3,130 per m²	£82,000–£113,000

Planning and building regulations in Formby

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 Formby homes

The roof junction

Where the single-storey roof meets the two-storey wall you need a sound weathering detail, usually a lead or similar flashing, and enough height for roof lights or a lantern. We set the roof falls and the upstairs window sill heights together so they do not clash.

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.

How we'd run your project

Visit and first ideas
One of our team visits your house in Formby, checks the walls, roof and drains, and sketches out options with you.
Choose the approval route
Some designs fit permitted development, most need a householder application. We decide which applies in England before drawing in detail.
Engineer it
Foundations sized for two floors, steels for any openings, and building control approval, all before anyone starts on site.
Finish and certify
Second fix, plastering and making good, then building control's final inspection and the completion paperwork.

Questions about part single, part two-storey extensions in Formby

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.

Do I need planning permission for a part single, part two-storey extension in Formby?

Formby is in England, so England planning rules apply. 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. If in doubt, a lawful development certificate or a planning application gives you certainty before you build.

Which postcodes do you cover around Formby?

We cover Formby (L37 and L38) and nearby places including Maghull, Southport and Bootle, plus the rest of Merseyside. The first site visit is free.

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

We also cover places near Formby, including:

Other extensions in Formby

All two-storey extension services in Formby · Part single, part two-storey extensions across Merseyside

The quickest next step is a visit. We'll look at your house in Formby and give you an honest view of the options.