The Ultimate Guide to Conservatory Planning Regulations
If you’re looking to add both space and value to your home, building a conservatory at the rear, or side of your property, is the ideal solution.
At Benchmark Windows, we know just how daunting attempting to navigate conservatory planning regulations can be.
In this blog, we offer a concise, straight-forward guide to conservatory planning permission, from UK regulations to potential loopholes.
At Benchmark Windows, we’re proud to be a reputable local business, specialising in providing energy-efficient conservatories to clients across the South East. To receive an online quotation, please get in touch. Call us on 01903 756699 and speak to one of our friendly advisors today.
Do You Need Planning Permission to Build a Conservatory in the UK?
A conservatory falls under the same category as a single-storey extension. Under these guidelines, you can build a conservatory without planning permission, as long as your proposal meets certain conditions. It is your responsibility to seek planning permission before a project begins.
If you fail to do so, you may face being forced to demolish the structure at your own expense. In addition, if you plan to sell your home in the future without the correct planning documentation, it is highly likely that your sale will fall through.
The process of securing planning permission entails professionals examining the visual and aesthetic impact of your conservatory. This will include how it affects the existing structure of your home, along with the surrounding area.
On 25th May 2019, the Government relaxed its permitted conservatory development rights to allow all homeowners in England to build large extensions without planning permission.
The law now states that you CAN build a conservatory without planning permission if:
- You live in a terraced or semi-detached house and your conservatory is under 6m tall
- You live in a detached house and your conservatory is under 8m tall
- The conservatory sits at the rear of the house
- The conservatory covers less than 50% of the garden
- The top of the structure is not higher than the eaves of the roof of your home
- Conservatories located on the side of the home do not extend beyond 50% of the width of the house.
Your conservatory CANNOT:
- Feature a veranda, balcony or raised platform
Thanks to these updated laws, the design and build process is now incredibly simple in comparison to years prior. Individuals can expect their new conservatory to be built in as little as three months, saving them valuable time, effort and money.
With the ability to transform a living area, conservatories are a versatile addition to any home. If you would like to find out more about our bespoke solutions, please get in touch.
How Big Can a Conservatory Be Without Planning Permission?
How big your conservatory can be without planning permission will entirely depend on the size of your property. In order to build without planning permission, your conservatory will need to be no bigger than 50% of the area around your house. This includes garden sheds and outbuildings.
You may require planning permission if:
- You live in a designated area (e.g. a conservation site)
- You live in a listed building
- You live in a new development
- Your conservatory is being built using materials that differ from those used in the original building structure.
How Much is Planning Permission For a Conservatory?
In order to receive planning permission, you will need to submit an application to your local council detailing your plans.
The cost of planning permission will vary depending on where you live in the UK and the type of permission you require.
Commonly, homeowners will submit a full planning permission application to their local council before building work is set to begin. This will cover details of your plan, including information regarding materials, designs and any supporting documentation.
If you’re submitting a full planning permission application in England, you can expect to pay roughly £460.
If you’ve got your heart set on a new conservatory, we hope our guide to conservatory planning regulations has banished any preconceived concerns you may have had regarding the permission granting process.
If you’re looking to build a standard conservatory on the rear of your property, it’s highly unlikely that your renovation will require planning permission. This means building work can go ahead swiftly, allowing professionals to achieve your dream conservatory in no time.
Perfect for use as a home office, garden room or dining area, conservatories are a versatile space, capable of providing both added room and convenience. If you would like to find out more about the bespoke energy-efficient conservatories we can provide, please get in touch.
Call us on 01903 756699 and speak to one of our knowledgeable team members today. We look forward to hearing from you.
