Do I Need Planning Permission for My New Conservatory?
30th July 2019
30th July 2019
When you’re planning a new conservatory for your home, it’s important to know whether you’re keeping to the specific regulations and rules. Chances are though that you’re already stressing about how you’re going to afford the project, so the last thing you want to be thinking about is planning permission and building regulations!
That’s why at Starglaze, we’ve created this impartial guide to help break down the jargon and help you to understand what conservatory is right for your home!
Planning permission is concerned with the appearance of buildings, the impact they have on the immediate environment and highway access.
Consent is normally given to build a conservatory as these structures are generally seen as permissible developments.
Building Regulations consider the design and construction of your new room. This legislation is primarily concerned with the health and safety of the people who will be using your new conservatory.
Building Regulations also cover important issues like access, asking questions like Can People enter and leave the conservatory safely?
Although there is a difference between planning permission and building regulations, in some occasions both apply.
If you’re in doubt, make sure to contact your local planning authority or ask your installer for advice.
Conservatories can be exempt from planning permission, if:
It’ll be exempt from planning permission if it meets the following criteria:
Your conservatory cannot occupy any more than half the land surrounding the property. You’ll need to consider other buildings on the land such as sheds and greenhouses when planning your conservatory.
This will depend on what type of house you have. If your home is attached, then three metres is the limit. If it’s a detached property, it’s four metres.
Afraid not, but you will be able to enjoy your new conservatory in other ways! You’ll benefit from a room you can enjoy year-round that can be used for whatever you want.
If you remove the connecting doors, you’ll be creating a structural opening that’s subject to approval from Building Regulations, and your conservatory will be treated more like an extension.
You need to think carefully about where you place your new conservatory. If it is likely to prohibit access to a window, room or converted area of your home, consent to build your structure will be refused for safety reasons.
Documentation can be found by visiting the government’s planning portal. Due to the complexity of existing regulations, it’s worthwhile keeping the key documentation nearby for guidance when planning your conservatory.
Then you’re better off looking at an orangery. An orangery relies less on uPVC or Aluminium frames and uses brick pillars, offering more rigidity. In choosing an orangery, it’s worthwhile checking with your installer to see how the planning permission rules differ compared to a conservatory.
If you’d like to discuss your plans for a new conservatory in more detail, we are more than happy to offer our advice and expertise. For a free, no-obligation quote for a conservatory in Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire, you can call us on 01522 512 020 or visit our Lincoln showroom, which is open 7 days a week. For a free online quote from the comfort of your home, click here. Starglaze Home Improvements offers a wide range of uPVC and aluminium windows, doors and conservatories.