Conservatories are great for creating extra living spaces and getting the most out of gardens. The average conservatory is a sun-filled, versatile space that increases a property’s value. It is also usually permitted development. Therefore, you don’t need planning permission.
However, sometimes, you do need planning permission for a conservatory. When this happens, failure to comply could cause trouble. The authorities could ask you to remove the conservatory. They can also take legal action.
So, let’s play it safe. Let’s find out if you need planning permission for that dream conservatory. Let’s show you how to get it. All the answers are in this article. It explores everything there is to know about UK planning permissions for conservatories.
We will discuss planning permission costs, rules and the application process. We’ll even discuss building regulations for conservatories.
What are Permitted Development Rights for Conservatories (UK)?
Permitted development rights are policies that allow homeowners to modify or extend a house without planning permission. These policies enable you to build your conservatory without planning permission. They are basically conservatory size, location and design restrictions.
If you can adhere to them, you don’t need planning permission for your conservatory. If you can’t, you will need planning permission. Here are the UK’s permitted development rights for conservatories.
- Your conservatory must not be in front of the house or road. It must be to the side or rear.
- If your conservatory is to the side of the house, it must not be wider than half the width of the house.
- If your conservatory is at the rear of the house, it must not be deeper than (aka extend further than) 6 metres for semi-detached and terraced houses or 8 metres for detached houses.
- Your conservatory’s height must not be more than the eaves of your house. More specifically, a conservatory’s height must not exceed 3m for semi-detached and terraced houses or 4 metres for detached houses.
- If your conservatory is within 2 metres of a boundary, its height must not exceed 3 metres.
- The total surface area of the conservatory must not exceed 50% of your total garden space. The total surface area of all extensions (conservatories, sheds, etc.) combined must not exceed 50% of total outdoor space. According to the original house rule, only extensions made before 1 July 1948 are exempted.
- Your conservatory must not be in a listed building or designated conservation area.
- Your conservatory must not have raised platforms or balconies.
These are the UK’s permitted development rights for conservatories. However, the rules may vary slightly depending on your location. For example, in Scotland, your conservatory must not be within 1 metre of a boundary. So, check with your local planning authority (LPA).
When Do You Need Planning Permission for a Conservatory?
From what we discussed under permitted developments, you probably already have an excellent answer to this question. However, we can still make things clearer. So, let’s look at some scenarios in which it’s necessary to get planning permission a conservatory. Every scenario fits into either of these four categories.
Conservatory Height Limits
There are three scenarios here.
- If your building is semi-detached or terraced, you need planning permission for a conservatory taller than 3 metres. This will extend height restrictions to 6 metres.
- If your building is detached, you need planning permission for a conservatory taller than 4 metres. This will extend height restrictions to a maximum of 8 metres.
- Within 2 metres of a boundary, you need planning permission for a conservatory taller than 3 metres. Aside from this, the two other conservatory height restrictions also apply.
Conservatory Size Restrictions
There are three possible scenarios here.
- You need planning permission for a conservatory larger than 50% of the total garden space.
- You need planning permission for a conservatory wider than half the width of the house.
- You need planning permission for a conservatory that extends from the house by more than 6 metres.
Conservatory Location Restrictions
Here are three reasons you may need a conservatory planning permission.
- You need planning permission for a conservatory in front of your house.
- You need planning permission for a conservatory on a listed property.
- You need planning permission for a conservatory in a designated area.
Conservatory Design Limits
There is only one scenario in this category.
- You need planning permission for a conservatory with a raised platform, veranda or balcony.
What are the UK’s Building Regulations for Conservatories?
Whether or not you need conservatory planning permission, you might need building regulation approval. Like planning permission, building regulations ensure your conservatory will be structurally sound and fit for human habitation. They ensure your conservatory won’t affect the structural integrity of your main house.
Generally, you don’t need building regulations approval for a conservatory if you adhere to restrictions placed by permitted development rights. You only need building regulation approval in the following situations.
- If your conservatory has a floor space of more than 30 square metres
- If your conservatory is not on ground level
- If your conservatory doesn’t have its own heating system
- If your conservatory doesn’t have standard glazing and insulation
- If your conservatory doesn’t have standard electrical installations
- If your conservatory doesn’t have a door, window or wall separating it from the main house, aka an open-plan conservatory
- If your conservatory has a solid roof
In any of these scenarios, you need building regulation approval for the conservatory.
What is Planning Permission?
Planning permission is the authorisation to modify, extend, construct or even demolish a building. In the context of this article, it is the approval you need to build a conservatory on your property.
Without this approval, the conservatory is illegal. So, the authorities can force you to remove it. If you don’t comply, they can take legal action. Without planning permission for your conservatory, it may also be difficult to find a buyer for your property.
Remember that this only applies if your conservatory violates permitted development rights. You should also remember that the rules might be different in your location. Article 4 direction allows your Local Planning Authority to modify permitted development rights. Therefore, a conservatory that is legal today may not be in the future.
You should consider getting a lawful development certificate (LDC). This certificate proves that your garden room is a legal construction. So, if the rules change, you can tender your LDC to authorities and potential buyers. You can get an LDC from your local planning authority.
How to Apply for Planning Permission for a Conservatory
There are different types of planning permissions. Examples include full planning consent, listed building consent and prior approval. The one you need for your conservatory is called a householder planning application.
A householder planning application covers approval for construction work on a property, including the main house and garden space. Conservatory installation falls within this category.
Your local planning authority is in charge of planning permissions. So, you have to visit their office. Complete and submit the application form. Then, pay the application fee. They’ll take 8 weeks to review applications and get back to you. Sometimes, it takes up to 13 weeks. Either way, your local planning authority will relay their decision at the end of the review period.
To increase the chances of approval, you must provide proper documentation with detailed plans for your property, your conservatory, and the site. You should also reach out to your neighbour. The LPA will consult them if a party wall is involved or if your conservatory is larger than 30 square metres.
If your application is rejected, you must pay another fee to reapply. Re-submissions used to be free, but the rules changed on 6th December 2023.
How Much Does Planning Permission Cost?
Your local planning authority sets planning permission costs and processes applications. So, don’t expect the same prices in every part of the UK.
Despite this, prices are around £200. Planning permission costs £206 in England, £202 in Scotland and £230 in Wales. Please note that these prices are for household planning applications. That’s the type of planning permission you need for a conservatory.
Also, these figures are for the application fee alone. They don’t include the cost of surveys, the conservatory’s plan and other documents. They also don’t include the £53.33 fee for online submissions.
Finally, costs will also increase if you use a consultant or contractor for your application. Hiring a professional can make the process much easier. However, you will also have to pay them for their service.
Conclusion
You don’t need planning permission for a conservatory that is covered by planning permission rights. These rights vary in various parts of the UK. So, visit your local planning authority for clarification.
Confirm whether your conservatory needs planning permission or building regulation approval. Then, apply as instructed. At some point, you might need to consult your neighbour. Either way, get the proper paperwork to avoid trouble with the authorities.
These rules, including conservatory planning permission and building regulations, were created to ensure safe and legal constructions. They don’t just apply to conservatories. They apply to other outbuildings like orangeries, loft conversions and traditional extensions.
