Do I need planning permission for a conservatory with a radiator?
It’s a question you might be asking yourself if you want a new space that can stay warm. Fortunately, the answer is no: radiators don’t affect planning permission applications. But, if you plan to connect the radiator to your home’s central heating, then you may need to go through other processes.If you want to build a conservatory, then you’ll obviously want to make sure it stays warm all year round. A good way of doing this is to make sure your build has another heat source during the winter. While portable heaters and underfloor heating can make a difference, sometimes an electric radiator that’s connected to your home’s heat system is the way to go.However, to fit a radiator to your build that’s connected, you’ll need to meet building regulations. Building regulations are a set of standards your radiator and your conservatory have to meet to get approval. If you don’t meet the rules, you’ll have an illegal build, which could land you in a lot of hot water with the council and planning authorities.
But, instead of connecting your radiator to the house, you could invest in an independent system. If you can turn the radiator on and off inside your conservatory, and it draws its own energy, then you won’t need to go through any applications. As a result, you can build the conservatory you want to without feeling restricted.
If you want a conservatory that stays warm, with or without a radiator, you can save money on it with Conservatory Prices UK too. You can find low quotes from trusted local installers in minutes through us. From there, you can compare offers to find the best deal for you and expand your home brilliantly!
Do I Need a Conservatory With a Radiator?
Whether your conservatory will need a radiator depends on how you want to use it. If you’d rather use it more during the summer, you might not need one. If anything, you’ll be trying to open your conservatory up to get fresh air in on hot days. However, if you’d like to use your build all year round, then you might be concerned about the comfort you’ll get in the cold parts of the year.
Most concerns come from the stories you hear about old conservatories. Designs from the past could struggle badly when the weather turned, mainly because of the greenhouse effect. With only single glazing across these builds, warm and cold air could pass through quickly and intensify as it reflected off the glass panels. As a result, these spaces would become stiflingly hot in summer and bitterly cold in winter.
However, modern conservatories change all of that. Nowadays, conservatories come with double glazing panels, meaning far less heat transfer. You’ll get better insulation as a result, meaning your new space might be warmer in the winter than you may think. Not only that, double glazing reduces glare and the greenhouse effect, meaning your space is more comfortable in summer too.
With some advanced builds, you could even get away with not having a radiator. However, if you’d rather have the option, it’s important to know what heating options you have and what the rules are for radiators connected to your home. Because of this, you’ll make sure you aren’t left out in the cold when it comes to your conservatory design.
Building Regulations for a Conservatory with a Radiator
A conservatory is defined as an independent space from the rest of your home. Because of this, a conservatory isn’t technically meant to connect to it. Most of the time designs like these don’t need to meet further regulations. As long as your build doesn’t exceed 30 square metres in the floor area and has good quality windows, doors and walls, it’ll meet ‘permitted development’ rules.
Picking a connected radiator in your design, though, changes its definition. When you link your conservatory’s heating to your home’s heating, it becomes an extension based on building regulations. As a result, it’ll need to meet them, meaning a potentially lengthy application process.
So, what are the alternatives? You could choose a different way to heat your build. For example, you could invest in a portable heater that you can move around your space freely and keep off when you don’t need it. Also, you could install underfloor heating for your build, which works on its own generators, meaning you’ll get plenty of warmth without the hassle of meeting building regulations.
You don’t have to install a radiator that connects to your home’s heating either – you could get an independent electric heater. You’ll be able to mount it on the wall, keeping floor space open, but it won’t have to connect up to your home. Because of this, you can avoid stress and hassle with your new build, and you’ll still keep your space warm when you need to.
Conservatory With a Radiator vs Without a Radiator
A conservatory with a radiator, though, could cost more than it needs to. Whenever you put your new heating system on, you’ll be spending money. Not only that, but you’ll be using energy, creating harmful emissions which could have an impact on the environment. While a heater is necessary for an older conservatory, it isn’t for a high-quality new build.
In a brand-new design, you can get materials and features that do most of the work a radiator can, and for no cost at all. With double glazing and durable profiles, you can get superb insulation and reduce draughts and damp spots. Not only that, you can invest in efficient doors and roofs for your build, giving you more control over your home’s temperature without the cost.
With a thermally efficient conservatory, you can even save money over time. As you use your build throughout the year, it’ll be warmer and for longer. Because of this, you won’t have to use your heating system as much in your home, meaning you can reduce your energy bills year-on-year. You’ll reduce your carbon footprint without a radiator as well!
And, with Conservatory Prices UK, you can save on investing in a conservatory that’s this efficient. We only work with trusted local installers who source their builds from leading manufacturers. Because of this, you can get market-leading designs for your home, but without astronomical prices. You can save up to 40% by comparing quotes with us!
Planning Permission for a Conservatory with a Radiator
If you want a conservatory with or without a radiator, get in touch with Conservatory Prices UK! Rather than spend days searching for the right deal on a dream space, you can find it in minutes through us. You can search our network of local installers to find several on your doorstep, speak to them all, and compare their offers to get the best deal for you.
With many of these companies, you can also get design and planning permission advice. Many help with building regulations as well, meaning you can build your conservatory how you want to. For added peace of mind, many of these companies are Checkatrade and Which? members, guaranteeing great service.
Find out more by filling in our online contact form or calling 0800 124 4307 to speak to our friendly team. We look forward to helping you at Conservatory Online Prices!