Conservatory Planning

Conservatory planning is an essential part of enhancing any home with a new living space that is useable all year round.

This is because of a wide range of factors that need to be considered to ensure everything goes as smoothly as possible. This includes conservatory planning permission that could result in a £5000 fine if not followed properly, along with the costly and timely altering or demolishing of your conservatory.

Conservatory planning is something that you can do with peace of mind when it comes to Conservatory Online Prices. This is because we have accrued a professional network of trusted suppliers local to you. With this in place, you’ll be aided in your conservatory planning to ensure everything is in order as it should be.

However, for further explanation as to what constitutes effective conservatory planning you can view this article to help clear things up!

Conservatory Planning and Planning Permission

Planning permission is both an important and essential part of any conservatory planning process. It is the formal approval for the construction of any building, structure, or extension. Keep in mind that it is a legal requirement that should not be overlooked. You can speak to your installer of choice when undertaking conservatory planning to see if you’ll need it or not!

As a conservatory isn’t always classed as a ‘permitted development’, planning permission may be required to complete a legal conservatory installation.

In terms of conservatory planning, a permitted development is something that fits into national government regulations. If your conservatory adheres to these strict guidelines, it will be considered a permitted development and given the green light to install.

There are a few factors that you should consider during your conservatory planning process. For example, does your house sit in a designated area? This is an area of any kind of conservation 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.

Conservatory Planning

Conservatory Planning: Do I Need Planning Permission?

During your conservatory planning process, you’ll be pleased to know that conservatories follow the same guidelines as extensions. This means that you won’t have to search far for any specific information that you need. It’s also useful to know that conservatories, generally speaking, don’t require planning permission! These features pave the way for an easy conservatory planning process.

As long as you meet the following conditions during your conservatory planning, 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 Planning: Using a FENSA Registered Installer

Investing in a FENSA registered installer during your conservatory planning process is a sure-fire way for you to get peace of mind. This is especially important when it comes to the fact that effective conservatory planning can sometimes be a daunting and intimidating process.

A vast majority of the approved installers we have in our network have been certified by FENSA. This means that they have had to undergo a stringent assessment process that enables them to demonstrate how they work in full compliance with building regulation requirements.

Not only does this mean that you’ll be able to enjoy complete peace of mind, it also 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.

Conservatory Planning Permission

Conservatory Planning and Building Regulations?

As a standard rule and something to keep in mind during conservatory planning, conservatories are excluded from building regulations. Although these guidelines usually apply more to traditional house extensions, you should still be aware of the building regulation requirements during conservatory planning.

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.

If you find during your conservatory planning that your build does not adhere to these requirements, then you may find that building regulations will come into effect. It’s important that your conservatory adheres to building regulations in order for it to be installed.

Conservatory Planning: Cooling & Heating Options

Have you included a radiator in your conservatory planning process? You’ll need to consider this when it comes to planning permission. It’s important that you plan how to effectively keep your conservatory at a comfortable temperature.

Radiators, as well as other forms of heating and lighting, are measured through building regulations. Not only this, but temperature regulation is also relevant during the warmer months too! Does your conservatory planning include air conditioning to keep the summer heat out?

Double Glazing Building Regulations and Conservatory Planning

Alongside heating and lighting, the glass you’ll need should also be included in your conservatory planning. To meet current building regulations, the glazing that you use will have to reach specific U-Values: which measure the amount of heat passing through the glass.

When it comes to conservatory planning, considering the positioning of your conservatory is going to play in role in how to decide on the glass you’ll need. For example, if you have a south-facing glass it may be worth investing in glazing that will help to keep the heat out during the summer.

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

Conservatory Planning and Conservatory

Modern innovations mean that modern conservatory roofs aren’t simply polycarbonate anymore. In fact, you’ll be able to choose from tiled, glass, and solid roof options now! These three options outclass their polycarbonate counterparts, which makes them an important part of any conservatory planning process.

However, do tiled, glass, or solid roof conservatories need planning permission? It’s hard to give a definitive answer. This is because the conservatory will need to be considered as a whole, not simply as a roof and frame component. The conservatory as a whole piece will have to deliver a U-value that adheres to building regulations.

However, as there is a range of conservatory styles available to choose from you could find yourself wondering how planning permission changes across the styles. This is right to do and something that should be included in your conservatory planning. For example, lean-to conservatories often don’t need planning permission because they are usually smaller in build. However, if you’re planning on building a gable-ended conservatory then you may need planning permission as this is normally a bigger build.

Conservatory Planning 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. If you do find that you need planning permission during your conservatory planning, don’t worry. This doesn’t mean that you won’t be able to bring that dream conservatory to life!

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.

Conservatory Online Prices is your go to option for trusted, local suppliers. We have a national network of certified conservatory installers who will be more than happy to help you with your conservatory planning process. Simply complete your online quote through out tool and we’ll put you in touch with three of your best, local installers.

Make your conservatory planning journey as easy as possible 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 and get you started on enhancing your home!

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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.
A glass conservatory can cost as little as £4,000 depending on the style you choose and the amount of building work you need. Larger glass conservatories with more building work can cost £20,000 and above. If you know the conservatory style and size you need or just want an idea of cost our online conservatory cost calculator will give you a guide price.
A Loggia Conservatory can cost about £15,000 to £20,000 for an average size. The Loggia Conservatory is a popular style but can be more expensive than traditional conservatory styles.
A Loggia Conservatory can cost between 20% to 50% more than a uPVC conservatory. It is a good idea to shop around for quotes in order to get a competitive conservatory cost.
The average conservatory cost begins in the region of £4,000 to £5,000. This will be for a reasonably small and basic conservatory. The cost of a conservatory can be as much as £40,000 to £50,000. This will be a large conservatory, fully fitted with all building work included. As this is a wide spread it is a good idea to know your style and size in order to get an average conservatory cost.
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.
Any structure that is built as an extra living quarter will require its own council tax band, even if it shares facilities with the main dwelling. If you're adding a conservatory then council tax won't be an issue however if you're adding a whole new annex, then your council tax is likely to change.
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.
A well built conservatory can increase your home's value by up to 7% . A conservatory can add lots of value to your home, increasing monetary value and making it much more attractive to a prospective buyer. A conservatory extension will change how you live and interact in your home for the better, enhancing space and comfort. It will certainly put your home above other properties too, especially when it comes to attracting a potential buyer. Read more here.
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.
The cost of a conservatory extension can range from £6,000 to £20,000. Compared to a full on extension, it is a much more affordable way of increasing space within your property. A full blown extension can cost up to £30,000. An extension is priced on average, per square metre.
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.
Fully fitted conservatory prices start from around £4,000 for a small room up to £20,000 + for bigger, more bespoke rooms. To get an idea on how much you can expect to pay for your new conservatory, you can use our conservatory cost calculator. It will provide you with a unique online guide price based purely on your own specifications. Fully fitted conservatory prices will vary from company to company and is also very much dependent on design.
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.
Conservatory extension costs are far more affordable than a full-blown extension. A conservatory costs anything starting from £3,000 - £4,000 deadening on final styles and specifications. On the other hand, full build house extensions can cost anything from £20,000 right up to £100,000+! Generally speaking extensions are priced on average, per square metre.
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.
The average cost to build a conservatory varies depending on many factors such as: size, style, materials, roof, number of windows and doors, building work requirements and internal works e.g. lightning, plastering, finishing etc. On average, costs for smaller type conservatories such as the lean-to conservatory style will start from around £3000 - £4000 including VAT and installation (subject to final requirements and technical survey).
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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