Conservatories - Guide To Building Regulations and Planning Permissions

Considering a conservatory? Check below whether you need planning permission or if building regulations apply before proceeding with works.

Always remember that if you carry out works to your home and planning permission is required or building regulations are not adhered to, your works (whether completed or not), may have to be returned to their state prior to commencement. It is always advisable to ensure that the works you are carrying out, whether conservatories or other home improvement or property renovation projects, are carried out according to current legislation and permissions if required to do so.

Planning Permission Relating To Conservatories

Any works carried out to listed properties or in conservation areas may require planning permission and if this applies to you, you should contact Building Control by default before proceeding with any kind of home improvement projects.

Conservatories currently (since 1st October 2008) are normally excempt from planning permission applications as long as they are carried out in accordance with the following guidelines:

• The extension (conservatory) is to the rear of the property or to the side of the property as long as the side of the property does not meet the road / street.
• The conservatory and other outbuildings (maybe you have some existing outbuildings, outhouses or other fixed structures to your home), must not cover more than half of the land around the house.
• Must not extend more than 4 metres beyond the original house wall if a detached house, no more than 3 metres if a semi-detached / terraced property / townhouse.
• Maximum height is 4 metres for conservatories or other single storey extensions to houses.
• As with extensions, loft conversions, conservatories are not permitted to have balconies, raised platforms or verandahs without planning permission.

Building Regulations - Conservatories

Building regulations do not apply to conservatories normally as long as they are built according to the following building guidelines.

• Good quality exterior doors (can be glazed or patio doors), separates the conservatory from the house (NB: Knock-throughs between your conservatory and home leaving an opening may be subject to building regulations and planning permission)
• A minimum of 50 percent of the walls and 75 percent of the roof must be made of glazing or some other translucent or similar material (failing this, your conservatory may be classed as an extension and be subject to planning permission).
• Electrical works carried out in accordance with the required legislation and building regulations relating to electrical works.
• Cannot be more than 30 square metres in floor space
• Glazing must be carried out in accordance with current glazing legislation (fenestration legislation and regulations).
• Must be single storey.

If In Doubt?

Contact your local building control to discuss your proposals and to take proper advice.

Top Tradespeople do not accept any responsibility for the accuracy of this information and professional advice should always be sought if in doubt prior to commencing any home improvement projects.