There are many deferring rules and regulations attached to the
planning permission that may be required for Conservatories.
For your convenience the basic details regarding planning permission
for conservatories are detailed on this page, if you have any
further queries Direct Conservatories 4u will be happy to assist.
Planning permission for conservatories can be a minefield,
to help you understand these issues we detail below some
of the "conditions" attached to the planning
permission and building regulations applying to conservatories.
(These apply to England and Wales only). Planning Permission for Scotland,
Northern Ireland, Eire and North American are quite different - You should
in all instances take local advice regarding planning permission for conservatories.
Do I Need Planning Permission for Conservatories?
In England and Wales you will not usually require planning permission
for conservatories, provided you do not exceed the permitted development
limit for your property (which is 50-70 cubic metres, depending on where
you live). Notable exceptions to this planning permission rule are listed
buildings and conservation areas. Please note that if your property has
been extended in the past - you will have used up some or perhaps all of
your "permitted development" area and may need planning permission
to build your conservatory. It is also worth noting that occasionally "permitted
development" rights may be withdrawn from a property and planning
permission for a conservatory, no matter how small, would still be required.
If you are in any doubt about planning permission, double check.
Conservatory Building Regulations
Generally speaking conservatories/sunrooms on residential property
are exempted under Building Regulations.
Below are some of the planning permission exemption criteria
- under the Building Regulations 1991 (as amended). These criteria
must be met for a conservatory extension to be classified as
exempt:
Planning Permission Exemption Criteria
|
a)
|
The extension has a completely transparent or translucent
roof. |
| b) |
The extension walls are substantially glazed. Must have
at least half the area of the walls formed of windows.
Must have at least three quarters of the area of the roof formed of glazing,
polycarbonate
sheets or similar translucent material. |
| c) |
The extension has a floor area not exceeding 30m squared. |
| d) |
The extension is sited at ground level. |
| e) |
The extension is permanently separated from the remainder
of the property by means of a door. |
| f) |
Any radiator within the conservatory is controllable. (If
fixed heating installations are proposed, they should have
their own separate temperature and on/off controls). |
| g) |
The glazing satisfies the requirements of part N, Schedule
1 (toughened/safety glass). |
| h) |
The extension does not contain any drainage facilities.
(i.e. sink, WC, or washing machine) |
When is Planning Permission for Conservatories Required?
An example of where building regulation approval for
a conservatory may be required is a Kitchen / Conservatory
Extension.
We suggest you contact your local council - explain your intentions
- they will be able to give you more specific advice.