Conservatory Planning Permission

Conservatory Planning Permission Guide 2019

If you are planning on building a conservatory, then you should always consider planning permission.

Ignoring these regulations can result in a £5000 fine and your conservatory may have to be altered or demolished. If you require planning permission, then you will need to submit a planning application to your local building authority.

Here at Conservatory Online Prices, our excellent network of trusted local suppliers will be able to provide you with their exceptional knowledge on conservatory proposals and conservatory planning permission. Some will even be able to handle the planning procedures on your behalf.

However, for further explanation as to whether you may need planning permission or not, use this guide for all your conservatory planning permission needs.

conservatory planning permission

What is Planning Permission?

Planning permission is, in short, formal approval for the construction of any building, structure or extension. As mentioned, planning permission is a legal requirement which cannot be ignored. If you have any doubts as to whether or not your conservatory needs planning permission, you should contact local building authorities immediately.

Planning permission is needed with homeowners who are planning to build something which isn’t classed as a ‘permitted development’.

Permitted development is something that fits into the national government regulations. In this instance, any conservatory or extension that adheres to these guidelines is considered a permitted development.

However, there is a range of factors that can affect whether a conservatory can be considered permitted development. For example. If the house sits on a designated area.

A designated area is any kind of conservation region in the UK. This could be a heritage site, any area of natural beauty or a national park. If you house ticks any of these boxes, planning permission will almost certainly be required.

P Shaped Conservatories

Do I Need Planning Permission for a Conservatory?

Conservatories follow the same guidelines as home extensions, which is helpful to know when searching for planning permission requirements. Conservatories in general, do not require planning permission as they are normally a permitted development.

However, there are limitations such as size and height. Before your conservatory is installed, you will need to find out whether conservatory planning permission is required. You should always record the measurements of everything relating to your project to ensure that you know whether or not you need planning permission.

As long as you meet the following conditions, then you will not require conservatory planning permission. We do however recommend that you visit the government’s Planning Portal to view the regulations for yourself.

  • Conservatories must be no more than half the size of your property’s original house. Original house refers to the size of your home when it was initially built, as previous owners may have already made extensions to the property.
  • However, if you live in an older property, original house only applies from 1948 onwards.
  • Your build must have no fronting highway with verandas, balconies or raised platforms.
  • You cannot build any extension at the front of your home if it faces a public pathway or highway without planning permission.
  • Side extensions can only be a single storey and must not be wider than half of the original house.
  • Extensions cannot exceed the width of a detached property by four metres, or three metres if it’s a semi-detached house.
  • The roof must not be higher than your existing property. If within two metres of a boundary, the eaves must be no higher than three metres.

Conservatory Planning Permission Wales

Homeowners in Wales will need to adhere to the following requirements:

  • Conservatories must be no higher than 10% of the original property. This applies to anyone living in a terraced house, a National Park, Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Conservation Area or World Heritage Site.
  • Your conservatory must not be higher than your existing roof.
  • The conservatory must not be built within 20 metres of the boundary of your property.

Conservatory Building Regulations

Use a FENSA Registered Installer – Conservatory Planning Permission

We understand that planning permission can be daunting. Even if you’ve triple checked that your conservatory will adhere to national guidelines, you may still have some worries.

However, with a large portion of the approved installers on our network here at Conservatory Online Prices, they’ll able to handle it for you. Naturally, registered installers will have much more experience dealing with planning permissions, so can handle that side of it for you.

A vast array of our registered installers have been certified by FENSA. This accreditation means that your installer will be able to get you a certificate on competition of the installation. This gives you total peace of mind that the planning permission of your conservatory has been dealt with.

Glass Conservatory Roof

What About Conservatory Building Regulations?

Conservatories are, on the whole, excluded from building regulations. These guidelines usually apply more to traditional housing extensions. However, you should still be aware of building regulations when planning a conservatory.

Building regulations will not apply if:

  • Your conservatory is at ground level.
  • Less than 30 square metres.
  • Glazed with an external door linking your house and conservatory.

Therefore, if your planned conservatory does not adhere to these three requirements, building regulations may apply. They will need to adhere to building regulations in order to order to be constructed.

victorian conservatory roof

Cooling & Heating Options

However, building regulations can affect the interior of a planned conservatory. If you’re questioning whether you need planning permission for a conservatory with a radiator – the answer is yes and no.

Radiators and other forms of heating and lighting are instead measured through building regulations. Not planning how to keep your conservatory at a comfortable temperature will put you at a great disadvantage.

Summer is the time you will want to get the most out of your conservatory, so you don’t want to open your door to a sauna. Air conditioning can be expensive so make sure you have planned your conservatory with this in mind and that your plans adhere to building regulations.

The same applies for the cooler months. You want your conservatory to be usable whatever the weather. Heated flooring can be a godsend, especially during the dark and cold depths of winter. Again, consider your budget.

Heated flooring is likely to be costly, so you may want to consider other ways of insulating your conservatory such as energy efficient glass. However, in the long term, heated flooring is likely to outweigh its cost.

glazed extensions

Double Glazing Building Regulations

In addition to heating and lighting, your conservatory glass will have to meet current building regulations which specify the U-values you need. U-values measure the amount of heat which passes through the glass.

You will need to consider the position of your conservatory before deciding on glass. The position of your conservatory will affect the temperature, and a south-facing conservatory will be exposed to the sun.

Solar-control glass is suitable for south-facing conservatories, helping to reduce the effect of the sun’s UV rays.

For more information on building regulations, you can read Planning Portal’s full breakdown.

replacement conservatory roof panels

Do you need planning permission to put a roof on a conservatory?

Nowadays conservatory roofs aren’t just made from the traditional polycarbonate. These plastic roofs are still available and are some of the cheapest options out there. However, they also offer relatively poor thermal efficiency in comparison to other options. As a result, you’ll naturally be drawn to the other roofing options available.

In addition to double glazed glass conservatory roofs, you can also invest in tiled and solid conservatory roofs.

But do tiled roof conservatories need planning permission? It’s hard to give a definitive answer. The whole conservatory would have to deliver a U-value that adheres to building regulations, however, the roof doesn’t always affect planning permission.

However, there a range of conservatory styles available. Lean-to conservatories often don’t require planning permission because they are normally smaller. However, if you’re planning on building a gable-ended conservatory with a taller, steeper roof, you will need to ensure that it’s still within the size parameters mentioned earlier.

 

Questions To Consider:

  • Has your property already been extended?
  • Are you located within a conservation area or an area of natural beauty?
  • Will it be possible to see the conservatory from either a road or public right of way?
  • Is your property a listed building?

If you have answered yes to any of those questions, then you should contact local building authorities as soon as you can. However, it’s always good practice to see if your conservatory needs planning permission anyway. Remember, needing planning permission doesn’t mean you won’t be able to build your desired conservatory.

It’s easy to get an online conservatory price thanks to our clever online pricing system. Simply enter your conservatory measurements and receive a unique quote within a matter of minutes. Better yet, our online pricing service is completely free.

We here at Conservatory Online Prices have a national network of trusted local suppliers in order to get you the very best deal for your conservatory. Once you have completed your online quote, we can then put you in touch with a reputable home improvement company in your area.

Get the conservatory planning permission you require, with Conservatory Online Prices. We only choose the best local and national installers for you up and down the country. Let us put you in touch with an exceptional installer in your area today.

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Frequently Asked Conservatory Questions

IThe majority of conservatories with a tiled conservatory roof will not require planning permission. This is because they are covered under what is known as a 'permitted development.'

However, Building Regulations will apply if you want to build an extension on your home.

Whether you are looking to invest in a brand-new conservatory, or just wanting to replace your existing conservatory roof, there are many conservatory roofing options available. The most popular conservatory roof materials are:
  • Solid Roofs
  • Glass
  • Polycarbonate

Solid Conservatory Roofs

If you are looking to achieve a more contemporary appearance, then a solid conservatory roof provides the perfect combination of conservatory and home extension. This conservatory roof option allows you to make use of the space you have, providing you with a living area you can use all year round.

Worried about light? Roof windows or glazed panels can be incorporated into the design, enhancing natural light for a light and airy feel. A lightweight tiled roof conservatory is also up to 15 times more thermally efficient than any other roof.

Polycarbonate Conservatory Roofs

Polycarbonate Roof Ideal for those on a tighter budget, a polycarbonate is often seen as a cost-effective option to roof glazing. They come in many different options such as different colours, shading and U-Values.

Typical colours include Bronze, Clear and Opal.

Glass Conservatory Roofs

Glass conservatory roofs are a popular choice because they provide great temperature control. They help to prevent your conservatory from being too hot in the Summer and too cold in the Winter.

It can also be specified with self-cleaning properties, helping to keep roof maintenance to a minimum.

In most instances the council tax will not increase on a property unless the additions another living quarter or self-contained annex. This means the addition of a conservatory should not increase the council tax payable on a property. To be absolutely certain you can always check the government's website which gives advice on council tax.
The main difference between a conservatory and an orangery is how the roof is constructed. A conservatory roof is over 75% glazed whereas an orangery roof has less than this amount. A conservatory also has over half of its wall space glazed whereas an orangery can include more brickwork than this.
Yes, you can put a conservatory on the front of your house. This is because conservatories come under the category of a permitted development. As such in most instances you do not need planning permission. This applies if the area surrounding the original house is not more than 50% covered by other buildings or additions.
The majority of conservatory roofs can be replaced within the course of a day however, this is dependent on design. A solid conservatory roof with added extras such as lighting, might take longer than a day.

Your chosen conservatory installer will protect any existing finishes during the project so no need to worry about your existing floor being damaged during transformation.

There are many ways of gaining temperature control. Conservatory blinds, ventilating windows, cooling film and air conditioning to name a few. You might also want to consider replacing your conservatory roof with a tiled or solid design.
There are many ways of keeping your conservatory warm in the Winter. If you have a small conservatory then an electric heater will suffice but those with bigger conservatories may want to look into installing underfloor heating.
Glazing is also very important in a conservatory. Most heat can be lost through glass so ensure your conservatory glazing is thermally efficient. You can also tackle draughts or cold spots by installing conservatory blinds.
This will largely depend on your location. You will find that certain areas have different setbacks based on the use of the building. We recommend that you check with your local council or take a look at the Goverment's Planning Portal.

You must notify your neighbour if you want to:

- Build on or at the boundary of your 2 properties - Work on an existing party wall or party structure - Dig below and near to the foundation level of their property
Replacing your conservatory roof can indeed make your conservatory warmer however, this will depend on the type of roof you choose. A solid or tiled conservatory roof will offer greater insulation than a plastic or glazed roof.
A solid roof can be put on a conservatory. There are many solid conservatory roof designs available - just ask your chosen installer for a recommendation. The majority of new-build conservatories with a solid, tiled or glazed roof will not require planning permission. They are covered under what is known as 'permitted development'. However, building regulations will apply if you want to build an extension.
When it comes to your home improvement, it's important to have all the necessary legal documentation. The installation of a conservatory, orangery or porch does not require a FENSA registration form.
The average life span of a uPVC conservatory is largely dependent on the quality of materials and build. Typically, a uPVC frame can last up to 25 years but some can last for decades ensuring they are well maintained.
Planning permissions used to say that a certain percentage of roofing must be translucent in order for a conservatory to be exempt from planning permission. Changes to building regulations however, now means that you may not require planning permission for roof replacement.
Swapping your existing conservarory roof for a tiled or solid roof replacement can be done without needing to file for planning permission. Planning permission may be required however, if the height of your extension is changed following completion.
A conservatory is defined as a 'building that has no less than 75% of its roof area made of translucent material and no less than 50% of its total wall area made of glass.
It is possible to convert a conservatory to an orangery but it isn't a simple process. A surveyor will need to come out and assess your property and conservatory to see if it is at first , feasible.
Both extensions and orangeries often require planning permission and in order to satisfy requirements, a new structure will have to be built.
If a conservatory is within two metres of a boundary, a conservatory should not be higher than three metres. It must also not extend beyond the rear wall of the original house by more than 3m if an attached house or by 4m if a detached house.
For construction work to begin a trench will need to be excavated to a minimum depth of 600mm. A conservatory needs footings just as much as any extension does.
Solid ground will need to found first and needs to be accepted by Building Control as being a minimum of 1 metre in standard conditions.
Foundations will need to be dug and because conservatories are lightweight in structure, their foundation loads are usually quite low. This can often lead to the notion that shallow foundations are satisfactory however, shallow foundations are more susceptible to subsidence.

Conservatories that are built with foundations shallower than the Building Regulations advise, are likely to encounter problems.

Building Regulations state:

A2. The building shall be constructed so that ground movement caused by :-
(a) swelling, shrinkage or freezing of the subsoil; or
(b) land-slip or subsidence (other than subsidence arising from shrinkage), in so far as the risk can be reasonably foreseen, will not impair the stability of any part of the building
Usually, there are no planning requirements when it comes to building a conservatory to a bungalow. However, the conservatory will be subject to certain conditions so be sure to check with your local building authority or with the Government's Planning Portal to ensure your conservatory remains within these guidelines.
When is a conservatory not a conservatory? In order for a structure to remain a permitted development (a conservatory), the build needs to comply with a number of rules. A conservatory must be ground level, must not be more than 30m2, must be thermally separated from the original building, have its own heating and have glazing in critical zones that meet Part Nof the building regulations.
An extension refers to an additional structure that is anatomically in-keeping with your main property. An extension often requires planning permission unless it is classified as permitted development and is built with opaque cavity walls and brick-based foundations. Extensions are a big home improvement and investment, needing the work of an architect.
Conservatories or glazed extensions are perfect for those looking to add extra space on a budget. Typically, they are less of a logistical strain and in most cases do not require planning permission,
A conservatory can be built under permitted development rights, not needing an application for planning permission. A conservatory however is subject to the limits and conditions listed here. Building a conservatory onto an extension however, will be subject to different conditions. In some cases and under the permitted development regulations, you cannot attach an extension to an already extended part of a dwelling. It has to be attached to the original walls of the dwelling house.
Conservatories are generally much cheaper than a single-storey extension of the same size. The price difference will largely depend on size and how complex the structure is to build, as well as the quality of materials.
A conservatory or single-story extension can be built without planning permission if: It's a maximum of 4 metres high or 3 metres high, within 2 metres of a boundary and the conservatory or extension does not cover more than half of the garden.
From now until 2019, you can extend outwards by up to 8 metres for detached homes and 6 metres for other property types. For this, instead of applying for planning permission you will need to undergo a Neighbour Consultation Scheme.
In most circumstances, building regulations tend to apply when you build a new extension or a very large structure to your property. However, most of the time, conservatories are exempt from building regulations when they are erected at ground level and the floor surface areas is less than 30 square metres.
The average life expectancy of a conservatory depends on the quality of materials used as well as the installer. Generally speaking a conservatory built with uPVC window and door frames can last up to 25 - 30 years.
It is possible to build either a conservatory or a single-storey extension without gaining planning permission if: firstly, it has a maximum height of 4 metres or 3 metres high if situated within 2 metres of an existing boundary. The conservatory itself does not exceed over half the size of the garden.
Yes you can! Whatever the shape of your existing conservatory, you can be sure that there is a solid roof equivalent to meet your exacting requirements.
Changing roofs from a polycarbonate to a solid roof means that building regulations will apply. Your chosen installer will be able to answer any questions you have and help with any red tape such as contacting local authorities to resolve building regulations compliance.
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