Double-storey extensions in Stanley: design, approvals and build
Planning a double-storey extension in Stanley? We survey the house, work out the planning route, draw the design and build it, so you deal with one team from the first visit to the completion certificate.
- Guide price in StanleyFrom £34,500 inc VAT
- PlanningUsually a householder application
- Build time16–24 weeks on site
- Postcode districtsDH9
Do I need planning permission in Stanley?
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.
Homes in conservation areas, national parks, National Landscapes (formerly AONBs), the Broads and World Heritage Sites have tighter rules, so we always check the property's status and planning history before design starts.
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).
Double-storey extension prices in Stanley
These guide figures apply our North East England adjustment (×0.91) to national rates. They include VAT at 20% and cover the build itself; design and council fees are listed separately.
Typical rates in Stanley: £1,410 to £2,730 per m² including VAT, depending on specification.
| Size | Essential | Standard | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 m × 4 m, two floors 24 m² | £34,500 – £41,500 | £39,000 – £51,500 | £50,000 – £66,000 |
| 4 m × 4 m, two floors 32 m² | £45,000 – £54,000 | £52,000 – £68,500 | £66,500 – £87,500 |
| 4 m × 6 m, two floors 48 m² | £67,500 – £81,000 | £78,500 – £103,000 | £100,000 – £131,500 |
Try the guide-price tool to see a range for your own size and finish.
Is a double-storey extension right for your house?
- Homeowners who would otherwise consider moving
- Growing families who need a bedroom as well as a bigger kitchen
- 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.
Extensions in and around Stanley
Site visits are available across Stanley (DH9). We also work in nearby Chester-le-Street (5 miles), Consett (5 miles), Durham (8 miles), Seaham (14 miles).
Just over the Tyne and Wear border, Gateshead is about 8 miles away. The North East has many brick terraces, colliery-era housing and post-war semis, with rear extensions and kitchen extensions the most common requests.
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
First, a site visit: we look at the house, garden, access and drains and listen to what you need.
Design and approvals
We produce the drawings and structural design, and manage the approvals so they are in place before work starts.
Fixed written price
With the design and specification agreed, you get a fixed written price and a start date.
Build and sign-off
Work is carried out to the agreed programme, inspected by building control and signed off at the end.
Your questions about a double-storey extension in Stanley
Can I see a price before committing to anything?
Yes. The guide prices on this page are adjusted for Stanley, and the guide-price tool gives a range for your own size. After the survey you get a written price before anything is agreed.
Do you cover all of Stanley?
Yes. We cover Stanley and the surrounding parts of County Durham. Site visits are free and there is no obligation.
Do I need building regulations approval in Stanley?
Yes. Almost every extension needs it, whatever the planning route. We prepare the drawings and book the inspections.
Is a two-storey extension cheaper per square metre?
Usually. Our guide range is about £1,410 to £2,730 per m² of new floor area including VAT, compared with £1,590 to £3,090 per m² for single-storey work, because the foundations and roof are shared across two floors.
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.
Book a free site visit in Stanley
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.