Conservatory planning permission might not always be at the front of your mind if you're considering adding one to your home. After all, there is often a common misconception that conservatories don't need planning approval.
However, with conservatories available in a vast array of shapes, sizes and finishes, it's worth investigating conservatory planning permission before you nail down your preferred conservatory ideas.
While it's true that some conservatories don't need formal approval, the rules and regulations surrounding them are in fact very similar to extensions. We explore when you will need conservatory planning permission and the design factors that can influence when you will need to make an application.
Conservatory planning permission vs extension planning
If you're struggling to decide between an extension or conservatory, you may be thinking that a conservatory will be quicker and less stressful if it doesn't need planning permission.
You're not alone in that thought, but, as planning expert, Simon Rix, founder of Planix.uk explains, the rules aren't different at all. In fact, they're almost identical.
"A lot of the guidance surrounding conservatory planning permission is similar to extension planning permission," he confirms. "This is because from a planning perspective, the key considerations for a conservatory are almost identical to any other extension.
"Therefore, in the same way as many extension fall under permitted development rights, the same limits guidance applies to conservatories. A conservatory can be built without planning permission, as long as it adheres to the same limitations as other types of extension," explains Simon.
“There is no real difference in gaining planning permission for a sunroom, orangery or conservatory,” adds Richard Bennett, sales director at Room Outside. “Most small conservatories and sunrooms can be built under permitted development, but you may still need sign off on bigger structures."
Simon Rix is a professional planning consultant, who began his career working in local government in the 1990s. He was a council officer and later an elected councillor, so he knows how the planning system works from both sides. He went on to set his own consultancy company that helps provide planning permission to self builders, home extenders and those taking on small to medium-sized building projects.
When you will need conservatory planning permission
So when might the need for conservatory planning permission kick in?
One of the main precursors to needing planning approval is size, meaning you'll need to take the following measurements into account – unless you apply for prior approval which is one way of increasing how far you can extend without planning permission.
"The planning rules state your conservatory must not extend more than four metres from the rear of a detached house or three metres from a semi or terraced house," says Simon Rix, "unless you go down the prior approval route."
Or, if you are building a conservatory to the side of your house and it will be higher than 4m, or of a width more than half the house, then permitted development rights will no longer apply.
Other features which may trigger the need for conservatory planning permission include:
- The conservatory is of a design that uses materials different to those used elsewhere on the exterior of your house
- You are using your conservatory to extend at the front of your house
- You live in designated area, such as a conservation area
- You live in a listed building (you will almost certainly require listed building consent in this case)
- Your conservatory will cover more than half your garden
When designing a conservatory, remember it should also have maximum height of 4m, or 3m if it is within 2m of a boundary.
Alternatively, under prior approval – which involves notifying the local planning authority who will in turn consult your neighbours – you can now build up to 8m (detached homes) and 6m (semi-detached and terrace homes) without planning permission.
Conservatory planning permission costs
If you do find that you need to make a planning permission application, you are probably wondering how much it will cost you. The cost of planning permission varies depending where in the UK you live.
"The cost for a full planning application for a conservatory, just like any other householder extension, is the standard householder application fee," advises Simon Rix, "which is currently £613 in England, including the £85 service charge."
FAQs
Do I need a lawful development certificate for my conservatory?
While you don't have to have a lawful development certificate (LDC) in order to build a conservatory using permitted development, many people do choose to get one.
"While a conservatory built under permitted development rights is considered lawful, an LDC provides formal, written proof from the council," says Simon Rix. "This can be invaluable when you come to sell your house, as it gives future buyers and their solicitors complete peace of mind that the development is legal and not at risk of future enforcement action. It's a small investment for a lot of security," he advises.
You will need to apply for one in a similar way to planning permission, submitting plans and elevations and the like, and pay a fee, with the cost of an LDC usually half the normal planning fee.
Does a conservatory with a solid roof require planning permission?
If you are planning on a building a conservatory with a solid roof, or considering conservatory roof replacement to swap a glazed roof for a tiled design, you will probably be wondering whether a planning permission application will be needed.
"The material of the roof, whether solid or glazed, is not usually a factor for planning permission purposes," advises Simon Rix. "However, a solid roof could trigger building regulations requirements," he warns, "and in some cases, change how the structure is classified (for example, potentially making it more like a habitable extension than a conservatory)."
Providing your conservatory still meets permitted development criteria there should be no need to make an application, although it is always best to check with you local planning department if in any doubt.
Will I always need building regulations?
As long as your conservatory meets the following requirements, you will normally be able to avoid having to apply for conservatory building regulations:
- It is no more than 30m2 in floor area
- It has been built at ground level
- High quality walls, doors or windows have been used to separate it from the house
- It has been fitted with an independent heating system featuring separate temperature and operation controls. (There are different ways for heating a conservatory independently, including electric plug-in radiators and electric underfloor heating)
- All glazing and electrical work complies with the relevant Building Regulations requirements
However, as always, it's best to check with your local building control department if you are in any doubt.
And, you should bear in mind that even if your conservatory itself is exempt, any new structural openings that have been made between your existing house and the new conservatory will require approval.
Keen to continue with your conservatory plans? Find out the different conservatory types available, and start working out your budget with our guide to conservatory costs so you can figure out just what you can get for your money and if a conservatory will add value to your home.
