Part single, part two-storey extensions in South Benfleet

The basics for South Benfleet at a glance.

Postcode districts: SS7
County / area: Essex, England
Price region: East of 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: Hadleigh (2.2 miles), Pitsea (2.3 miles), Canvey Island (2.3 miles)
Distance to Southend-on-Sea: about 6.7 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 South Benfleet (SS7) and the places around it, including Hadleigh (2.2 miles), Pitsea (2.3 miles) and Canvey Island.

What it costs in South Benfleet

Most of the cost of a part single, part two-storey extension is set by its size and specification. For South Benfleet and the rest of the East of England, our guide is £2,060–£2,830 per m² including VAT, so about £74,000–£102,000 for a 6 m × 4 m ground floor and a first floor over half of it (36 m² in total). Design fees, structural calculations and approval fees are separate and listed on our prices page.

Spec	Per m²	A 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 South Benfleet

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 South Benfleet homes

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.

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.

How we'd run your project

Understand the brief
At your home in South Benfleet we agree what you need: bedroom count, bathroom, kitchen space, and how much garden you want to keep.
Drawings and permission
Our designers produce plans and elevations, then we take care of planning or permitted development checks with the council covering South Benfleet.
Detail and price
Construction drawings, engineer's calculations and building control sign-off, then a written fixed price for the build.
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 South Benfleet

Which postcodes do you cover around South Benfleet?

We cover South Benfleet (SS7) and nearby places including Hadleigh, Pitsea and Canvey Island, plus the rest of Essex. The first site visit is free.

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

Our guide for the East of England, which covers South Benfleet, 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.

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

Other towns near South Benfleet:

Other extensions in South Benfleet

All two-storey extension services in South Benfleet · Part single, part two-storey extensions across Essex

Tell us about your house in South Benfleet and we'll call you back to arrange a free, no-obligation visit.