Part single, part two-storey extensions in Whitehaven

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

Postcode districts: CA28
County / area: Cumbria, England
Price region: North West England
Guide price: £68,500–£94,000 (£1,900–£2,610 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: Cleator Moor (3.3 miles), Egremont (5.3 miles), Workington (6.7 miles)
Distance to Carlisle: about 35.2 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.

Around Whitehaven we also work in Cleator Moor, Egremont and Workington, and across the rest of Cumbria. Postcode district in and near Whitehaven: CA28.

What it costs in Whitehaven

Most of the cost of a part single, part two-storey extension is set by its size and specification. For Whitehaven and the rest of North West England, our guide is £1,900–£2,610 per m² including VAT, so about £68,500–£94,000 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	£1,750–£2,400 per m²	£63,000–£86,500
Standard	£1,900–£2,610 per m²	£68,500–£94,000
Premium	£2,280–£3,130 per m²	£82,000–£113,000

Planning and building regulations in Whitehaven

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 Whitehaven 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.

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

Understand the brief
At your home in Whitehaven we agree what you need: bedroom count, bathroom, kitchen space, and how much garden you want to keep.
Get it approved
Once you're happy with the design we submit it to the council for Whitehaven and deal with any questions from the planning officer.
Fixed price in writing
With approved drawings and calculations, we give you a fixed build price and a programme you can plan around.
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 Whitehaven

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 postcodes do you cover around Whitehaven?

We cover Whitehaven (CA28) and nearby places including Cleator Moor, Egremont and Workington, plus the rest of Cumbria. The first site visit is free.

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

Whitehaven 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.

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.

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.

Nearby

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

Other extensions in Whitehaven

All two-storey extension services in Whitehaven · Part single, part two-storey extensions across Cumbria

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