Extending your home is one of the best ways to gain the extra space you need without the stress and cost of moving. Whether it is to accommodate a growing family, create a dedicated home office, or provide room for relatives, a two-storey extension offers significant extra living space and can add real value to your property.
In the past, permitted development rights covered many single-storey extensions but two-storey extensions almost always required full planning permission. However, since 31 August 2020, the rules have changed. Now, in many cases, two-storey extensions can fall within permitted development, making the process faster, easier, and more affordable for homeowners.
Can I Use Permitted Development for My Two-Storey Extension?
The new rights apply to most houses, whether detached, semi-detached, or terraced. However, there are specific conditions:
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The property must have been built between 1 July 1948 and 5 March 2018.
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Older or very new homes will still need to apply for full planning permission.
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Homes in conservation areas, national parks, or Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty are excluded.
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Flats, maisonettes, and listed buildings do not qualify.
If your property meets the criteria, you can use permitted development to add a two-storey extension.
What Do I Need to Look Out For?
Although the process has been simplified, there are still important restrictions to follow:
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The maximum overall height of the extended building cannot exceed 18 metres.
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The ceiling height of the new storey must not exceed 3 metres, or be taller than the existing storey below.
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The extension itself must not be more than 7 metres high including the roof.
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The new structure must complement the existing property in appearance and materials.
These rules are designed to ensure extensions are in proportion with existing buildings and do not overwhelm surrounding properties.
Prior Approval Process
Even though full planning permission is no longer required in many cases, you still need to go through a prior approval process with your local authority. This is far simpler and quicker than a standard planning application.
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You will submit your extension plans to the council.
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The local authority will assess the impact on your neighbours, highways, and overall design.
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Neighbours will be notified and given the right to object if they feel the development will negatively affect them.
This process ensures balance between homeowners extending their property and neighbours’ rights.
Why a Two-Storey Extension is a Smart Investment
A two-storey extension can deliver both ground floor living space and extra upstairs bedrooms or bathrooms in one project, making it one of the most cost-effective ways to transform your home.
Benefits include:
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More usable living space for modern family life.
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Increased flexibility for home working.
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The ability to accommodate guests or relatives comfortably.
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A significant increase in property value. In fact, Checkatrade estimates that a well-planned extension can add between 10 and 20 percent to your home’s value.
How Your Choice Can Help
At Your Choice Home Improvements, we specialise in designing and building extensions that make a real difference to your lifestyle. Our full design and build service takes care of everything, from initial consultation and architectural design to construction and completion. We also guide you through the permitted development and prior approval process to ensure your project is stress-free from start to finish.
The new permitted development rights have made it easier than ever for many homeowners to build two-storey extensions. If your home qualifies, you could create a stunning new living area and extra bedrooms without the delays and costs of full planning permission.
To learn more about your options, explore our extensions here or get in touch with our team today to start planning your project. You can also read more about permitted development on the official government website: www.gov.uk/planning-permission-england-wales.