Will I need planning permission to build a conservatory?

If you’re considering installing a conservatory this year, its well worth investigating the law around Planning permission and building regulations To help you understand these issues, we detail below some of the “conditions” attached to these. (These apply to England/Wale only) Scottish and Northern Ireland are quite different – You should in all instances take local advice.

PLANNING PERMISSION

In England and Wales you will not usually require planning permission, provided you do not exceed the permitted developments limited for your property (which is 30 metres).

Notable exceptions to the above are listed buildings and conservation areas. Please note that if your property has been extended in the past – you will have used up some or perhaps all of your “permitted development” area and may need permission it’s also worth nothing that occasionally “permitted development” rights may be withdrawn from a property and any extension however small needs planning.
If in doubt check.

BUILDING REGULATIONS

Generally speaking conservatories/sunrooms on residential property are exempted under Building Regulations up to 30 metres. Here are some of the Exemption Criteria – under the Building Regulations 1991 (as amended). These criteria must be met for a conservatory extension to be classified as exempt:

• The Extension has a completely transparent or translucent roof.
• The extension walls are substantially glazed. Must have at least half the area of the walls formed of windows.
• Must have at least three quarters of the area of the roof formed of glazing, polycarbonate sheets or similar translucent material.
• The extension has a floor area not exceeding 30m sq.
• The extension is sited at ground level.
• The extension is permanently separated from the remainder of the property by means of a dividing door.
• Any radiator within the conservatory is controllable. (If fixed heating installations are proposed, they should have their own separate temperature and on/off controls).
• The glazing satisfies the requirements of part N, Schedule 1 (toughened/safety glass).
• The extension does not contain any drainage facilities, (i.e. sink, WC, or washing machine).

An example of where building regulation approval may be required is a kitchen / conservatory extension. We suggest you contact your local council – explain your intentions – they will be able to give you more specific advice.