Single-storey rear extensions in Bournemouth
If you live in Bournemouth and want more space without moving, a single-storey extension is one of the most practical ways to get it. We handle the drawings, approvals and the build.
- Guide price in BournemouthFrom £21,000 inc VAT
- PlanningOften permitted development (3–4 m), or prior approval up to 6–8 m
- Build time10–16 weeks on site
- Postcode districtsBH1, BH2, BH3, BH4, BH8
Local to Bournemouth
Across BH1, BH2, BH3, BH4, BH8, BH13, we can visit, measure and advise. Nearby, we also take on projects in Christchurch (4 miles), Poole (5 miles), Ferndown (6 miles), Wimborne Minster (8 miles).
For homes towards Hampshire, New Milton is around 10 miles away. South West homes range from terraced streets in the cities to stone cottages and bungalows in the countryside, and conservation areas are common in historic centres.
Planning rules that apply in Bournemouth
In England a single-storey rear extension can usually go up to 3 m beyond the original rear wall of a semi-detached or terraced house, or 4 m on a detached house, without a planning application, provided it is no more than 4 m high, keeps eaves to 3 m within 2 m of a boundary and, with other buildings, covers no more than half the land around the original house. The larger home extension prior approval scheme raises those depths to 6 m and 8 m, with neighbours notified and a 42-day decision.
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.
Applications are decided by the local planning authority (your district, borough or unitary council).
Guide prices for Bournemouth
Labour and material costs vary across the UK, so for Bournemouth we use our South West England factor (×1.02). The ranges include VAT and exclude design, structural and council fees.
Typical rates in Bournemouth: £1,780 to £3,470 per m² including VAT, depending on specification.
| Size | Essential | Standard | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 m × 4 m 12 m² | £21,000 – £25,500 | £25,000 – £32,000 | £31,500 – £42,000 |
| 4 m × 5 m 20 m² | £35,500 – £42,000 | £41,500 – £53,500 | £53,000 – £69,500 |
| 5 m × 6 m 30 m² | £53,500 – £63,000 | £62,500 – £80,000 | £79,500 – £104,500 |
Want a range for your exact size? The guide-price tool takes about a minute.
When a single-storey extension makes sense
- Semi-detached and detached houses with a usable rear garden
- Terraced houses that want a deeper kitchen across the full width
- Homeowners who want open-plan living onto the garden
Depth is the big decision. Every extra metre adds floor area but also takes garden and can push you out of permitted development. We draw the room at two or three depths so you can see the trade-off in space, light and cost before anything is fixed.
What happens next
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
We visit your Bournemouth home, measure up, talk through what you want and check the planning position.
Design and approvals
Drawings are prepared and agreed with you, then submitted for the right planning route and building regulations approval.
Fixed written price
You receive a written, itemised price and programme. Nothing starts until you are happy with it.
Build and sign-off
Work is carried out to the agreed programme, inspected by building control and signed off at the end.
Single-storey extension questions answered
Can I see a price before committing to anything?
Yes. The guide prices on this page are adjusted for Bournemouth, and the guide-price tool gives a range for your own size. After the survey you get a written price before anything is agreed.
Will my neighbours in Bournemouth be involved?
If a planning application or prior approval is needed, the council notifies neighbours. If the work is on or near a shared boundary, party wall notices may also be needed.
How long does a single-storey extension take to build in Bournemouth?
On site, typically 10 to 16 weeks once approvals are in place. Before that, allow 4–12 weeks design and approvals.
How deep can a single-storey rear extension be without planning permission?
In England, up to 3 m beyond the original rear wall on a semi-detached or terraced house and 4 m on a detached house, within height and boundary limits. Through the larger home extension prior approval scheme those depths rise to 6 m and 8 m. Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland use their own rules, which we check for your address.
Will I need a steel beam?
Almost always. Opening up the rear wall to join the new room to the house needs a beam, usually steel, sized by a structural engineer. It is included in our quotes.
Book a free site visit in Bournemouth
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.