WILL YOU NEED PLANNING PERMISSION FOR YOUR NEW CONSERVSATORY?
The most sensible option when planning to extend your home with a conservatory
is to consult the planning department of your local authority. Many conservatory
companies do this for you, or have the expertise to know if you will need
planning permission.
Some conservatories do not need planing permission, as they do not exceed
the amount of space allowed for extensions by local authorities. But here
you need to be careful as rules differ in different areas - so again call
the council’s planning experts.
Permission will also depend on other extensions added in the past, and
the type of property, for example, detached and semi-detached buildings
are allowed to extend more than a terraced house.
Flats and maisonettes will always require planing permission, as they
have no permitted development rights.
Other factors which need to be considered are - how close is the conservatory
to the boundary line, how much garden will the extension cover, does the
property have planing development rights, is the building listed, is the
conservatory close to a road or public footpath. All would need planning
permission if they do not fall into the requirements of local and national
laws or regulations.
As a guideline there are some exemptions under the Building Regulations
1991, but these are given JUST as a guideline and are not a full list:
If the conservatories walls are substantially glazed - which means at
least half of the area of the wall is glass. Three-quarters of the roof
must also be glass, polycarbonate sheets or a translucent material
The conservatory is at ground floor level
Any glass used fulfils the requirements of Building Regulations
The floor area does not exceed the planning authority’s rules
Nothing which includes drainage, such as sink or washing machine, is
installed in the conservatory.
IMPORTANT: Erecting a conservatory is an expensive undertaking - ensuring
that it meets local and national laws or rules is imperative. It isn’t
something which can be skipped over or ignored. Having to dismantle your
lovely new extension would be devastating, so do take all necessary steps
to ensure it meets the regulations before you buy and building work starts. |