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Planning Permission and Building Regulations 

Everything you need to know about Planning Permission and Building Regulations for your Conservatory 

For many people, when planning a conservatory, Planning Permission and Building Regulations can be an unwanted concern. By choosing TFS Homes this is taken out of your hands so you are free to enjoy the exciting parts of researching your conservatory – such as what style will you have, will the roof be glass or polycarbonate and how will you use your new living space? TFS Homes are extremely knowledgeable about the Planning and Building Regulations process and will take care of the research and application (if required). 

What is the difference between Planning Permission and Building Regulations? 

Planning Permission and Building Regulations are often confused. Both are the responsibility of the Local Authority and basically, Planning Permission takes into consideration the aesthetic effect of a new building/extension on the surrounding homes and neighbourhood, whilst Building Regulations define how the structure must be constructed in terms of thermal efficiency etc. 

Do I need Planning Permission? 

TFS Homes will take care of this for you, but for your information, here is a summary of the basic facts. In most cases you will not require planning permission for your conservatory under the present legislation, unless you are adding a conservatory to a house that has already been extended. You may also need to check if your house is a ‘new build’ as developers sometimes place restrictions on them. 

Listed below are some conditions that may require planning permission from the 1st October 2008: 
o  Any new conservatory on the front or side of a house that will be closer to a public highway than the original house.
o  Maximum depth of a single storey conservatory is 3 meters for an attached house house and 4 meters for a detached house.
o  Conservatories can be no higher than 4 meters and width no more than half that of the original house.
o  If you build within 2m of the boundary line and the highest point at can be no more than 3m high.
o  Verandas, balconies and raised platforms all now require planning permission.
o  If your conservatory covers more than 50% of the original garden.
o  If your planning development rights have been removed
o  Grade II listed buildings. These may require a hardwood conservatory.  

Will my conservatory need to satisfy Building Regulations?

In general, a domestic conservatory will be exempt under UK building regulations, again, TFS Homes can check this out for you, they will take care of the process.

Listed below are some of the exemptions requirements, these criteria must be met for a conservatory to be classified as exempt: 
o  The conservatory roof must be made of at least 75% transparent or translucent material.
o  The conservatory walls must be at least 50% wall glazing
o  The conservatory floor area should not exceed 30 square metres.
o  The conservatory must be constructed at ground level
o  The conservatory must be separated from the property by means of a physical barrier/exterior lockable door.
o  The conservatory has thermostatically controlled heating.
o  The conservatory is not being attached to a listed building.
o  The glazing satisfied the Building Regulations Part N (eg: toughness/safety glass)
o  The conservatory must not have any sanitary ware or drainage attached i.e. must not be used as a bathroom, toilet or shower room
o  The conservatory must not be used as a kitchen with a sink or cooker etc   

Should you require more detailed information please follow the links below:

Planning Portal

Full planning document

Building Regulation changes