Blackheath · Greater London

Two-storey wraparound extensions in Blackheath

Adding a two-storey wraparound extension in Blackheath gives you two new rooms stacked on one footprint. Here's how we'd approach it, what it typically costs and the rules that apply in England.

Before you start in Blackheath, here's what applies.

Postcode districts
SE3
County / area
Greater London, England
Price region
London
Guide price
£144,500–£198,000 (£2,580–£3,540 per m²)
Approval route
Planning permission is needed: the side part takes it outside permitted development in England.
Nearest towns
Lee (0.6 miles), Kidbrooke (0.8 miles), Greenwich (1.2 miles)
First visit
Free, no obligation

About a two-storey wraparound extension

A two-storey wraparound extension is an L-shaped addition that extends both the side and the rear of your house, on two floors. It gives one of the largest gains in floor space of any extension, typically a big open-plan kitchen and living area below and two or more bedrooms or bathrooms above. In England it needs planning permission, because the side part is more than one storey.

We cover postcode district SE3 in and around Blackheath, along with neighbouring Lee, Kidbrooke and Greenwich.

What it costs in Blackheath

A guide price for Blackheath: around £144,500–£198,000 for an L-shaped footprint of about 28 m² wrapping the side and rear, on two floors (56 m² of new floor space). That works out at £2,580–£3,540 per m² of new floor space, including VAT at 20%. Kitchens, bathroom fittings and flooring are priced separately so you can compare like with like.

SpecPer m²An L-shaped footprint of about 28 m² wrapping the side and rear, on two floors (56 m² of new floor space)
Essential£2,370–£3,260 per m²£133,000–£182,500
Standard£2,580–£3,540 per m²£144,500–£198,000
Premium£3,100–£4,250 per m²£173,500–£238,000

Planning and building regulations in Blackheath

In England, a two-storey wraparound extension needs householder planning permission, because any extension beyond a side wall must be single storey to be permitted development. The application costs £548 (or £575 for applications made from 8 December 2026). Councils weigh the side part against the street scene and the rear part against neighbours' light and outlook, and should decide within 8 weeks of validation.

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 Blackheath homes

Daylight to the middle

A deep L-shaped plan can leave the middle of the ground floor dark, because the old rear rooms are now enclosed. We use wide rear openings, a well-placed stair and, where part of the extension is single storey, roof lights, while keeping total glazing within the Part L allowance.

Two roofs that meet

A wraparound needs the side roof and rear roof to join cleanly, often with a valley or hip where they meet. Getting pitches and ridge heights right keeps rainwater moving and avoids a bulky mass at the back corner, which neighbours and planners notice.

How we'd run your project

  1. Look at the house

    We start in Blackheath with a free visit: measurements, photos, a look at the loft and drains, and a frank chat about budget.

  2. Drawings, then consent

    We draw the scheme, check it against the rules in England, and take it through the right consent with the council.

  3. Price it properly

    Once the engineer's calculations are in, we fix the build price in writing, with a clear list of what's included.

  4. On site

    One project lead runs the job, keeps you updated and arranges inspections at each stage until completion.

Questions about two-storey wraparound extensions in Blackheath

How much does a two-storey wraparound extension cost in Blackheath?

Our guide for London, which covers Blackheath, is £2,580–£3,540 per m² including VAT. A typical project with an L-shaped footprint of about 28 m² wrapping the side and rear, on two floors (56 m² of new floor space) comes to about £144,500–£198,000. Design and approval fees are extra, and we fix the build price in writing once the design is agreed.

Do I need planning permission for a two-storey wraparound extension in Blackheath?

Blackheath is in England, so England planning rules apply. Planning permission is needed: the side part takes it outside permitted development in England. If in doubt, a lawful development certificate or a planning application gives you certainty before you build.

How long does a two-storey wraparound 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 I stay at home during a wraparound extension?

Many people do, but a wraparound affects two sides of the house and usually the kitchen, so there will be weeks without a full kitchen. We plan a temporary kitchen, keep a route through the house and seal off the work area. For some families, moving out while the rear wall is opened up is easier.

How much floor space does a wraparound extension add?

It depends on the width of the side plot and the depth at the rear. Our guide prices are based on a typical wraparound with an L-shaped footprint of about 28 m² wrapping the side and rear, on two floors (56 m² of new floor space). Yours may be larger or smaller, and the measured survey shows what your plot can take.

Nearby

We also cover places near Blackheath, including:

Other extensions in Blackheath

All two-storey extension services in Blackheath · Two-storey wraparound extensions across Greater London

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