Part single, part two-storey extensions in Widnes

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

Postcode districts: WA8
County / area: Cheshire, 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: Runcorn (1.4 miles), Rainhill (3.9 miles), Halewood (4 miles)
Distance to Warrington: 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.

Widnes sits about 6.7 miles from Warrington. Closer to home, Runcorn is 1.4 miles away and Rainhill 3.9 miles.

What it costs in Widnes

A guide price for Widnes: around £68,500–£94,000 for a 6 m × 4 m ground floor and a first floor over half of it (36 m² in total). That works out at £1,900–£2,610 per m² of new floor space, including VAT at 20%. The fastest way to a firmer number is a free site visit, after which we price the design stage in writing.

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 Widnes

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 Widnes 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.

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.

How we'd run your project

Start at your house
We come to your home in Widnes, measure up, check the ground floor walls and roof structure, and note anything near the boundaries.
Design and approvals
We draw the extension and check it against the rules for England, then apply for planning permission or a certificate of lawfulness, whichever fits.
Engineer it
Foundations sized for two floors, steels for any openings, and building control approval, all before anyone starts on site.
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 Widnes

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 Widnes?

We cover Widnes (WA8) and nearby places including Runcorn, Rainhill and Halewood, plus the rest of Cheshire. The first site visit is free.

Who handles building regulations for a project in Widnes?

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.

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.

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 Widnes, including:

Other extensions in Widnes

All two-storey extension services in Widnes · Part single, part two-storey extensions across Cheshire

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