Seeking Planning Permission for your Conservatory

With many people seeking to extend and develop their existing property rather than moving, one of the key challenges faced is knowing when planning permission is required.

In simple terms, planning permission is the process required to gain approval for a specific piece of building work. In England this requires an application to be made to a local planning authority (usually the planning department of the local council), whereby they will assess various elements of the proposed work in order to ensure that it complies with regulations.

Most new buildings and major alterations to existing properties will require planning permission, however as a general rule conservatories do not require permission subject to complying with certain criteria. This includes ensuring that not more than half the area of land surrounding the original house is going to be covered by additions or other buildings - which includes sheds and other outbuildings. In addition there are various requirements detailing size specifications:

* If the proposed conservatory is less than a maximum depth of three meters for an attached house, and four meters for a detached house, and has a maximum height of four meters for a single-storey rear extension then planning permission is not needed.
* Conservatories must also not front a highway.
* Conservatories to the side of the house must be no more than half the length of the original building.
* The maximum eaves height should be no higher than the eaves of the existing house. This means that the highest part of the conservatory should be no higher than the roof ridge line of the existing house.

This differs if the property is a listed building or in a conservation area (if the conservatory is to the front elevation), where approval is essential. In addition, designated areas (which include national parks, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, conservation areas and World Heritage sites) also have stringent regulations regarding the choice of materials which can be used on the exterior of the conservatory.

In addition, bespoke conservatory designs and extra details such as verandas, balconies or raised platforms can require permission.

It can be difficult to know when planning permission is necessary, but by involving and discussing the project with a reputable conservatory designer from the outset it can help ensure that permission is sought when necessary, as well as making the process as smooth and as efficient as possible.


Article submitted by Jonathan Hey, Managing Director of Westbury Garden Rooms. Westbury Garden Rooms has over 20 years experience in building bespoke conservatories and garden rooms and is a top 3 UK leading designer / manufacturer of bespoke orangeries and garden rooms.