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Conservatories and Building Regulations
Conservatories are normally exempt from building regulations when:
They are built at ground level and are less than 30 square metres in floor area. At least half of the new wall and three quarters of the roof is either glazed or translucent material. The conservatory is separated from the house by external quality door(s).Glazing and any fixed electrical installations comply with the applicable building regulations requirements (see below).
Where work is proposed to a listed building, listed building consent may be required.
* The term ‘original house’ means the house as it was first built or as it stood on 1 July 1948 (if it was built before that date). Although you may not have built an extension to the house, a previous owner may have done so.
(If you are unsure or need advice on whether you will need planning permission please contact our office and we will endeveour to help you.)
Do I need Planning Permission?
Some conservatory companies will insist that you don’t need planning permission, however there are instances where you will. We have compiled this list of UK conservatories planning permission tips to help you through this maze.
Under new regulations that came into effect from 1 October 2008 adding a conservatory to your house is considered to be permitted development, not needing an application for planning permission, subject to the limits and conditions listed below:
No more than half the area of land around the ‘original house’* would be covered by additions or other buildings. No extension forward of the principal elevation or side elevation fronting a highway. No extension to be higher than the highest part of the roof. Maximum depth of a single-storey rear extension of three metres for an attached house and four metres for a detached house. Maximum height of a single-storey rear extension of four metres.Maximum depth of a rear extension of more than one storey of three metres including ground floor. Maximum eaves height of an extension within two metres of the boundary of three metres. Maximum eaves and ridge height of extension no higher than existing house. Side extensions to be single storey with maximum height of four metres and width no more than half that of the original house. Roof pitch of extensions higher than one storey to match existing house. No verandas, balconies or raised platforms. On designated land* no permitted development for rear extensions of more than one storey; no cladding of the exterior; no side extensions.
Please note: the permitted development allowances described here apply to houses not flats, maisonettes or other buildings.
Conservatories and Building Regulations
Conservatories are normally exempt from building regulations when:
They are built at ground level and are less than 30 square metres in floor area At least half of the new wall and three quarters of the roof is either glazed or translucent material. The conservatory is separated from the house by external quality door(s). Glazing and any fixed electrical installations comply with the applicable building regulations requirements (see below).
Where work is proposed to a listed building, listed building consent may be required.
* The term ‘original house’ means the house as it was first built or as it stood on 1 July 1948 (if it was built before that date). Although you may not have built an extension to the house, a previous owner may have done so.
(If you are unsure or need advice on weather you will need planning permission please contact our office and we will endeveour to help you.)
If in doubt, and to prevent any delays should you wish to sell your home later on, a Certificate of Lawfulness is available from your local council. This will chart that you consulted with the council, that full planning permission was not required for your development, and documents that the development was lawful.