Building Regulations And Conservatory Planning Permission Guidelines

This simple guide to conservatory planning permission requirements includes rules, regulations and information about local authority legislation.

With many modern families constantly looking at ways to improve, upgrade and add space to their homes, planning permission requirements are getting tighter to ensure that the building work undertaken is in keeping with neighbouring properties and local area guidelines.

Under present local authority legislation you may not need planning permission to build a conservatory, providing you meet with the following points...

A Detached Property

• Without planning permission you can develop up to 70m3 or 115% of the total volume of the property, whichever is the greatest, however, this is a combination of the total amount of extensions, e.g. if you have had a lounge extension of 35m3 and a conservatory of 46m3 this would total 81m3 and you would then require planning permission for your project. If your total is less than 70m3, or 115% of the volume of the existing building, planning permission would not be required.

• A semi-detached property has the same rules as a detached property, you are allowed to develop up to 70m3.

• The same rules apply to these as detached and semi detached properties. But the amount you are allowed to develop is reduced to 50m3.

Flats and Maisonettes

• You are not permitted to develop flats or maisonettes without obtaining planning permission, there are no exceptions to this rule. 

The above mentioned rules and regulations apply to developments carried out after July 1st, 1948.

1. If your conservatory covers an area greater that 50% of the original garden.
2. If your planning development rights have been removed
3. If you build your development within 2m of the boundary line and the highest point at that junction is 4m or higher
4. If you property is a Grade II listed building. These may require hardwood conservatories with glass roofs. Rules can be very strict with these properties.
5. If your conservatory or development is 20m or less from a road or public footpath.
6. If you live in an area of special scientific interest or outstanding natural beauty you will not be permitted to have a conservatory at all.

Boundary Impact

A planning officer will be looking at the projection of the conservatory (how far it will protrude into the garden). Normally he or she will be satisfied with an approximate 3m projection from the original building. Should your proposed development or conservatory extension protrude more than 3m they may not look at it so favourably and may ask for a reduction in size. This is so that neighbours and neighbouring properties do not have to look at large brick walls more than 3m in length.

If planning permission is not required for your construction then a letter of lawful development from your local authority is something you are able to obtain. In the event of selling your property it will show you have complied.

If you are in any doubt about regulations or the possible need for preparation of plans and possible blueprints then you can always contact you local planning office. They will be more than happy give you helpful guidance and information so that costly last minute alterations or legal mistakes are not made.