Two-storey extensions for semi-detached houses in Sherborne

The basics for Sherborne at a glance.

Postcode districts: DT9 and DT10
County / area: Dorset, England
Price region: South West England
Guide price: £57,500–£78,000 (£2,060–£2,780 per m²)
Approval route: Depends on position: a two-storey rear extension may be permitted development (3 m deep, 7 m from the rear boundary); a two-storey side extension needs planning permission.
Nearest towns: Yeovil (5 miles), Street (15.7 miles), Dorchester (16.3 miles)
Distance to Bournemouth: about 31.9 miles
First visit: Free, no obligation

About a two-storey extension for a semi-detached house

A two-storey extension for a semi-detached house is a two-floor addition to the rear, the open side, or both, designed around the attached neighbour on one side. The rear is often the simplest option and can sometimes be permitted development, while a side extension uses the gap on the detached side. Both need care with the shared party wall and the neighbour's light.

Sherborne sits about 31.9 miles from Bournemouth. Closer to home, Yeovil is 5.0 miles away and Street 15.7 miles.

What it costs in Sherborne

A guide price for Sherborne: around £57,500–£78,000 for a 4 m × 3.5 m footprint on two floors (28 m² of new floor space). That works out at £2,060–£2,780 per m² of new floor space, including VAT at 20%. Steelwork for wide openings is the item most likely to move the figure; we'll know once the engineer has designed it.

Spec	Per m²	A 4 m × 3.5 m footprint on two floors (28 m² of new floor space)
Essential	£1,900–£2,560 per m²	£53,000–£71,500
Standard	£2,060–£2,780 per m²	£57,500–£78,000
Premium	£2,470–£3,340 per m²	£69,000–£93,500

Planning and building regulations in Sherborne

In England, a two-storey rear extension on a semi can be permitted development if it goes no more than 3 m beyond the original rear wall and stays 7 m from the rear boundary, with matching materials and roof pitch. A two-storey side or wraparound extension always needs planning permission, costing £548 (or £575 for applications made from 8 December 2026). Protected areas such as conservation areas exclude two-storey rear permitted development.

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 Sherborne homes

The attached neighbour's light

A two-storey rear extension next to the party wall can take light from the neighbour's rear windows. Councils often use a 45-degree test, so the first floor may need to be shorter than the ground floor or set in from the shared boundary.

Rear, side or both

On a semi, a rear extension sits against the attached neighbour, while a side extension faces the detached neighbour and the street. We compare the space, cost and approval route for each, and for a wraparound, before you commit to one design.

How we'd run your project

Understand the brief
At your home in Sherborne we agree what you need: bedroom count, bathroom, kitchen space, and how much garden you want to keep.
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.
Detail and price
Construction drawings, engineer's calculations and building control sign-off, then a written fixed price for the build.
Build it
The new structure goes up first, then we open into the house, finish inside and get the completion certificate.

Questions about two-storey extensions for semi-detached houses in Sherborne

Who handles building regulations for a project in Sherborne?

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.

Which postcodes do you cover around Sherborne?

We cover Sherborne (DT9 and DT10) and nearby places including Yeovil, Street and Dorchester, plus the rest of Dorset. The first site visit is free.

Do I need planning permission for a two-storey extension for a semi-detached house in Sherborne?

Sherborne is in England, so England planning rules apply. Depends on position: a two-storey rear extension may be permitted development (3 m deep, 7 m from the rear boundary); a two-storey side extension needs planning permission. If in doubt, a lawful development certificate or a planning application gives you certainty before you build.

Should I extend my semi to the side or the rear?

It depends on your plot and what you need. A rear extension keeps the side drive and can sometimes be permitted development, but it affects the attached neighbour. A side extension keeps the rear garden but always needs planning permission in England. We compare both at the free site visit.

Does a two-storey extension add value to a semi-detached house?

It usually adds value, but the gain is never certain. Nationwide's 2025 research found that 10% more floor area was linked to about 5% higher value, and that adding a double bedroom and bathroom to a three-bed, one-bathroom house could add up to 24%. Every street has a ceiling price, so check local sales first.

Nearby

The same service in neighbouring towns:

Other extensions in Sherborne

All two-storey extension services in Sherborne · Two-storey extensions for semi-detached houses across Dorset

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