Part single, part two-storey extensions in Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan

Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan at a glance

Nation: Wales
Price region: Wales
Postcode areas: CF
Towns covered: 10 listed below, plus surrounding villages
Approval route: It may be permitted development if the ground floor goes no more than 4 m and the first floor no more than 3 m beyond the original rear wall, with the first floor 10.5 m from the rear boundary.
Site visits: Free, no obligation

What a part single, part two-storey extension involves

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.

The main places we list in Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan are Cardiff (CF10), Barry (CF62), Penarth (CF64), Llantwit Major (CF61), Whitchurch (Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan) (CF14) and Rhiwbina (CF14). We cover the villages in between too.

Guide price in Wales

For budgeting in Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan, allow around £66,000–£91,000 for 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). That's based on £1,840–£2,530 per m² including VAT for Wales. Professional fees for drawings and the structural engineer are listed separately on our prices page.

Spec	Per m²	Typical project
Essential	£1,690–£2,330 per m²	£61,000–£84,000
Standard	£1,840–£2,530 per m²	£66,000–£91,000
Premium	£2,210–£3,040 per m²	£79,500–£109,500

Rules in Wales

In Wales, a part two-storey rear extension can be permitted development if the first floor goes no more than 3 m and the ground floor no more than 4 m beyond the original rear wall, with the first floor at least 10.5 m from the rear boundary. Conservation areas and other protected areas are excluded. If the design falls outside these limits, a householder application costs £585.

Approval in Wales: Householder planning application: £585. Councils normally decide householder applications within 8 weeks.

Building regulations: Building regulations approval under the Welsh Approved Documents, which differ from England's in places (notably energy efficiency).

The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 applies in Wales, so notices may be needed for work on or near a shared wall or boundary.

Getting the design right

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.

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 work in Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan

Understand the brief
At your home in Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan 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 Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan.
Technical design
We prepare the building regulations drawings, structural calculations and specification so the build price can be fixed.
Finish and certify
Second fix, plastering and making good, then building control's final inspection and the completion paperwork.

Towns we cover in Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan

Part single, part two-storey extensions in Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan: questions

How much does a part single, part two-storey extension cost in Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan?

In Wales our guide is £1,840–£2,530 per m² including VAT, so about £66,000–£91,000 for a 6 m × 4 m ground floor and a first floor over half of it (36 m² in total). Essential and Premium specs move that by roughly 8% down or 20% up.

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.

Will I need planning permission in Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan?

Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan is in Wales. It may be permitted development if the ground floor goes no more than 4 m and the first floor no more than 3 m beyond the original rear wall, with the first floor 10.5 m from the rear boundary.

Neighbouring areas

All extension services in Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan · About part single, part two-storey extensions