Shirley (Greater London) · Greater London

Part single, part two-storey extensions in Shirley (Greater London)

Want to stay in Shirley (Greater London) but need more space? A part single, part two-storey extension adds floor area on two levels without giving up much garden. Here's what's involved.

Before you start in Shirley (Greater London), here's what applies.

Postcode districts
CR0
County / area
Greater London, England
Price region
London
Guide price
£86,500–£119,000 (£2,400–£3,300 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
West Wickham (1.6 miles), South Norwood (1.9 miles), South Croydon (2.2 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 postcode district CR0 in and around Shirley (Greater London), along with neighbouring West Wickham, South Norwood and South Croydon.

What it costs in Shirley (Greater London)

Using our London 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 £86,500–£119,000, 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£2,210–£3,040 per m²£79,500–£109,500
Standard£2,400–£3,300 per m²£86,500–£119,000
Premium£2,880–£3,960 per m²£103,500–£142,500

Planning and building regulations in Shirley (Greater London)

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 Shirley (Greater London) 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

  1. Free site visit

    We visit your home in Shirley (Greater London), look at the structure, access and boundaries, and talk through what you want the new rooms to do.

  2. Choose the approval route

    Some designs fit permitted development, most need a householder application. We decide which applies in England before drawing in detail.

  3. 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.

  4. On site

    One project lead runs the job, keeps you updated and arranges inspections at each stage until completion.

Questions about part single, part two-storey extensions in Shirley (Greater London)

Which postcodes do you cover around Shirley (Greater London)?

We cover Shirley (Greater London) (CR0) and nearby places including West Wickham, South Norwood and South Croydon, plus the rest of Greater London. The first site visit is free.

How much does a part single, part two-storey extension cost in Shirley (Greater London)?

Our guide for London, which covers Shirley (Greater London), is £2,400–£3,300 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 £86,500–£119,000. 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.

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

Nearby towns we cover for part single, part two-storey extensions:

Other extensions in Shirley (Greater London)

All two-storey extension services in Shirley (Greater London) · Part single, part two-storey extensions across Greater London

Send us your postcode and a few details. We'll get back to you to arrange a visit and talk through your options.

CallGuide price