Double-storey extensions in Great Bridge

Planning your two-storey extension in Great Bridge

Planning permission from Sandwell Council is the first hurdle for most double-storey extensions in Great Bridge. Householder applications have an eight-week target for a decision, and Building Regulations approval and the Party Wall Act may also apply.

Scaffolding is usually up for most of the build, so think about access along the side of the house early.
The householder planning fee in England is £548 from April 2026, paid to Sandwell Council when you apply.
New first-floor bedrooms normally need an escape window with at least 0.33 m² of clear openable area.

Postcode district: DY4
Planning and building control: Sandwell Council
From our West Bromwich base: 2 miles

Choices to weigh up in Great Bridge

Two-storey rear extension

Adds depth to both floors across the back of the house: a kitchen-diner below and a larger bedroom or new bathroom above. Permitted development only covers projections up to 3 metres and at least 7 metres from the rear boundary, so many rear builds still need planning. Overlooking and loss of light to neighbours are the usual tests.

Combined side and rear

An L-shaped two-storey build wrapping the side and back of the house gives the biggest gain, sometimes two extra bedrooms. It's a substantial project with more steel and a complex roof junction, and it will need a householder planning application. Expect a longer programme and a careful plan for keeping the house secure while the roofs are joined.

What does your two-storey extension cost in Great Bridge?

For a home in Great Bridge, our guide range is £52,000–£135,000 depending on size and specification. A two-storey side extension on a three-bed semi, about 32 m² over two floors: usually £68,000–£88,000.

Guide prices for double-storey extensions
Option	Guide price	Good to know
Compact two-storey rear (20–28 m² total)	£52,000 – £72,000	Bigger kitchen below, bedroom or bathroom above
Two-storey side or rear (30–40 m² total)	£68,000 – £98,000	The usual size on a three-bed semi
Large or combined side and rear (45 m²+)	£95,000 – £135,000	More steel, a complex roof and a longer programme

Guide ranges include VAT where it applies. Your fixed price for the agreed specification follows a free survey at your Great Bridge address.

Your questions answered

What will the council look at when deciding planning?

Councils judge two-storey extensions mainly on their effect on neighbours and the street. They look at loss of light and outlook next door, overlooking from upstairs windows, and whether the extension sits comfortably with the house, often expecting side extensions to be set back and lower than the main roof. Many councils publish householder design guides, and following yours closely improves the chance of approval.

Which postcodes in Great Bridge do you work in?

We cover DY4 and the streets around them. If you're on the edge of Great Bridge, neighbouring Tividale and Tipton are covered too.

How much does a double-storey extension cost?

In the West Midlands, most double-storey extensions cost between £52,000 and £135,000, including VAT where it applies. A typical side extension on a three-bed semi, around 32 m² across both floors, usually costs £68,000–£88,000 built to a plastered finish. Kitchen units, a bathroom suite, flooring and decorating are priced separately, so you can choose them to suit your budget.

Who approves double-storey extensions in Great Bridge?

Usually both. Most two-storey extensions need a planning application to Sandwell Council, and the structural work needs Building Regulations approval from its building control team or a registered building control approver.

Also covering nearby

Other home improvements in Great Bridge

Want a guide figure first? Use our quote tool for your Great Bridge extension, then book a survey for a fixed price for the agreed specification.