Part single, part two-storey extensions in Shortlands

What we'd confirm first for a project in Shortlands.

Postcode districts: BR2
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: Bromley (0.6 miles), Beckenham (1.4 miles), Bickley (1.8 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.

Around Shortlands we also work in Bromley, Beckenham and Bickley, and across the rest of Greater London. Postcode district in and near Shortlands: BR2.

What it costs in Shortlands

A guide price for Shortlands: around £86,500–£119,000 for a 6 m × 4 m ground floor and a first floor over half of it (36 m² in total). That works out at £2,400–£3,300 per m² of new floor space, including VAT at 20%. Kitchens, bathroom fittings and flooring are priced separately so you can compare like with like.

Spec	Per m²	A 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 Shortlands

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 Shortlands 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

Measure and listen
A visit to Shortlands to understand how you live in the house now and what the extra rooms need to do, plus a first look at the structure.
Drawings, then consent
We draw the scheme, check it against the rules in England, and take it through the right consent with the council.
Fixed price in writing
With approved drawings and calculations, we give you a fixed build price and a programme you can plan around.
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 Shortlands

Which postcodes do you cover around Shortlands?

We cover Shortlands (BR2) and nearby places including Bromley, Beckenham and Bickley, plus the rest of Greater London. The first site visit is free.

Who handles building regulations for a project in Shortlands?

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.

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.

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 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.

Nearby

We also cover places near Shortlands, including:

Other extensions in Shortlands

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

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