Poole · Dorset

Part single, part two-storey extensions in Poole

Homes in Poole 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.

Quick reference for homeowners in Poole.

Postcode districts
BH15 and BH20
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 miles), Canford Heath (2.6 miles), Broadstone (3 miles)
Distance to Bournemouth
about 4.6 miles
First visit
Free, no obligation

About a part single, part two-storey extension

A part single, part two-storey extension suits you if you want a generous ground floor but only need one extra room upstairs, or if a full two-storey design would affect a neighbour too much. You get design options that test where the two-storey part works best, the approvals your nation needs, structural design, building regulations approval and the build, carried out by vetted teams working under S&K.

We cover Poole (BH15 and BH20) and the places around it, including Parkstone (2.0 miles), Canford Heath (2.6 miles) and Broadstone.

What it costs in Poole

Using our South West England rates, a part single, part two-storey extension 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, including VAT. Bigger or more glazed designs cost more per m². 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£1,900–£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 Poole

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 Poole homes

Where to put the two-storey part

The two-storey section usually works best away from the closest neighbour, with the single-storey part on that boundary side. We test a few positions against neighbours' windows, the upstairs layout and the roof shape before choosing the one to take forward.

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. Free site visit

    We visit your home in Poole, look at the structure, access and boundaries, and talk through what you want the new rooms to do.

  2. Get it approved

    Once you're happy with the design we submit it to the council for Poole 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 it

    The new structure goes up first, then we open into the house, finish inside and get the completion certificate.

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

How much does a part single, part two-storey extension cost in Poole?

Our guide for South West England, which covers Poole, 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.

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

Poole 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 Poole?

We cover Poole (BH15 and BH20) and nearby places including Parkstone, Canford Heath and Broadstone, plus the rest of Dorset. The first site visit is free.

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.

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 Poole, including:

Other extensions in Poole

All two-storey extension services in Poole · Part single, part two-storey extensions across Dorset

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

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