Planning Permission For Conservatories

There a four factors to consider when planning your new conservatory and whether you will require planning permission or building regulation approval, these are:

• The height.
• The depth.
• The distance from any boundary or highway.
• The area of your garden that is already developed.

Do I need planning permission for a conservatory?

Your conservatory will not require planning permission from your local authority if:

• It will be sited on the side of your home and will not be wider than half the width of your home as it was first built (before any other extensions were built, including those by previous owners).
• It will be sited on the rear wall of your home and the depth will not be more than 3 metres if your home is attached or 4 metres if your home is detached.
• It will be only single storey and not higher than 4 metres or the highest point of your existing roof.
• It will be within 2 metres of a boundary and the eaves height will not be more than 3 metres, and not higher than the eaves height of your existing home.
• It will not be forward of the common building line or existing elevation which fronts a highway.
• Not more than 50% of your garden is already built upon, or will be once your proposed extension is complete. This includes any outbuildings which may already exist.
• Your home is not sited on designated land (e.g. conservation areas, areas of outstanding natural beauty, etc.).

Do I need building regulations approval for a conservatory?

Most conservatories will not require building regulations approval from your local authority, unless:

• It will be more than 30 square metres in floor area.
• Less than 75% of the roof area or less than 50% of the wall area will be made from translucent material (in which case it will not be classed as a conservatory).
• The conservatory will not be separated by external doors.
• You will be creating a new structural opening between the conservatory and your existing home.