Leigh · Greater Manchester

Part single, part two-storey extensions in Leigh

Homes in Leigh with a bit of space to the side or rear can often take a part single, part two-storey extension. We'll tell you honestly whether yours can, and what approvals it needs.

The basics for Leigh at a glance.

Postcode districts
WN7
County / area
Greater Manchester, 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
Atherton (2.2 miles), Tyldesley (2.5 miles), Abram (3.1 miles)
Distance to Manchester
about 11.7 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 Leigh (WN7) and the places around it, including Atherton (2.2 miles), Tyldesley (2.5 miles) and Abram.

What it costs in Leigh

Guide prices for part single, part two-storey extensions in North West England are around £1,900–£2,610 per m² of new floor space, including VAT. For a typical project with a 6 m × 4 m ground floor and a first floor over half of it (36 m² in total), that's roughly £68,500–£94,000. These are guides, not quotes. Ground conditions, steelwork and access can move the figure either way.

SpecPer m²A 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 Leigh

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 Leigh 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.

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

  1. Visit and first ideas

    One of our team visits your house in Leigh, checks the walls, roof and drains, and sketches out options with you.

  2. Get it approved

    Once you're happy with the design we submit it to the council for Leigh and deal with any questions from the planning officer.

  3. Technical design

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

  4. Build

    Foundations, walls, floor, roof, windows, then first and second fix. We break through into the house as late as we can.

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

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

Leigh 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.

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 Leigh?

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 the single-storey part be deeper than the two-storey part?

With planning permission, yes, and that is often the point of the design: the ground floor projects further into the garden while the first floor stays back from neighbours. Under permitted development, the depth limits for extensions of more than one storey can apply to the whole extension, so we confirm which route applies before drawings are finalised.

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.

Nearby

We also cover places near Leigh, including:

Other extensions in Leigh

All two-storey extension services in Leigh · Part single, part two-storey extensions across Greater Manchester

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