Double-storey extensions in Leigh: design, approvals and build
Our design and build teams take on double-storey extensions in Leigh, from the first measured survey through planning and building control to the finished room.
- Guide price in LeighFrom £36,000 inc VAT
- PlanningUsually a householder application
- Build time16–24 weeks on site
- Postcode districtsM29, M46, WN7
Who a double-storey extension suits
- Growing families who need a bedroom as well as a bigger kitchen
- Homeowners who would otherwise consider moving
- Houses with enough distance to the rear or side boundary
The roof is what makes a two-storey extension look right or wrong. We match the pitch and materials of the main house wherever possible and plan the upstairs layout around the existing landing so the new rooms feel original rather than bolted on.
Planning rules that apply in Leigh
In England a two-storey rear extension is permitted development only if it projects no more than 3 m from the original rear wall, sits at least 7 m from the rear boundary, matches the roof pitch and uses obscure, non-opening side windows upstairs. Most two-storey extensions therefore go through a householder planning application, which costs £548 from 1 April 2026 and normally takes about 8 weeks.
In a conservation area, national park, National Landscape, the Broads or a World Heritage Site the permitted development limits are tighter (no side or two-storey extensions without an application). Listed homes need listed building consent, and if permitted development rights have been removed, any extension needs an application.
Building regulations approval is separate from planning. In England you can use the council's building control team or a registered building control approver; a full plans application gets the drawings checked before work starts, and the inspector signs the work off with a completion certificate.
Building over or within 3 m of a public sewer needs the water company's consent, usually through a build-over agreement, before the foundations go in.
Applications are decided by the local planning authority (your district, borough or unitary council).
Working in Leigh
Across M29, M46, WN7, we can visit, measure and advise. Neighbouring towns we cover include Atherton (2 miles), Tyldesley (2 miles), Westhoughton (4 miles), Hindley (4 miles).
Just over the Merseyside border, Golborne is about 3 miles away. The North West has a high share of Victorian and Edwardian terraces with rear yards and outriggers, plus large areas of inter-war semis in the suburbs.
How much does a double-storey extension cost in Leigh?
Prices below are for Leigh, using the North West England factor of ×0.95. They are guide ranges including VAT for the build only, not a quote.
Typical rates in Leigh: £1,470 to £2,850 per m² including VAT, depending on specification.
| Size | Essential | Standard | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 m × 4 m, two floors 24 m² | £36,000 – £43,500 | £41,000 – £54,000 | £52,000 – £68,500 |
| 4 m × 4 m, two floors 32 m² | £47,000 – £56,500 | £54,500 – £71,500 | £69,500 – £91,500 |
| 4 m × 6 m, two floors 48 m² | £70,500 – £84,500 | £82,000 – £107,500 | £104,500 – £137,000 |
Try the guide-price tool to see a range for your own size and finish.
How the project works
Site visits are free and there is no obligation. Where drawings are needed, the design stage is priced in writing before it starts.
Free site visit
A designer visits, takes measurements and photos, and discusses layouts, budget and timing with you.
Design and approvals
Drawings are prepared and agreed with you, then submitted for the right planning route and building regulations approval.
Fixed written price
With the design and specification agreed, you get a fixed written price and a start date.
Build and sign-off
The build is managed from start to finish, inspected at each stage and signed off on completion.
Double-storey extension questions answered
Who do I contract with for a double-storey extension in Leigh?
Your contract is with S&K Property Investments and Improvement Ltd, which designs and manages the project and the build teams who carry it out.
Do I need building regulations approval in Leigh?
Yes. Almost every extension needs it, whatever the planning route. We prepare the drawings and book the inspections.
Do you cover all of Leigh?
Yes. We cover Leigh and the surrounding parts of Greater Manchester. Site visits are free and there is no obligation.
Does a double-storey extension need planning permission?
Often, yes. In England a two-storey rear extension can be permitted development only if it projects no more than 3 m and sits at least 7 m from the rear boundary, with matching roof pitch and obscure side windows. Side extensions over one storey always need planning permission. We confirm the route at the survey.
Is a two-storey extension cheaper per square metre?
Usually. Our guide range is about £1,470 to £2,850 per m² of new floor area including VAT, compared with £1,660 to £3,230 per m² for single-storey work, because the foundations and roof are shared across two floors.
Book a free site visit in Leigh
We will measure up, check the planning position and give you honest guide figures.
- Free, no-obligation site visit
- Planning route checked before you spend on drawings
- Written price once the design is agreed
- Building control sign-off at the end
Prefer to talk? Call 0800 088 6341 or .
Book a free site visit
Tell us a little about the project and we will arrange a time.