Are You Up To Date With Planning Permission?

We regularly experience a rise in demand for conservatories at springtime as householders look to get closer to their garden ahead of the summer season.

If you are thinking of following suit, there is no time to waste as there is a chance you will need to obtain planning permission beforehand. Sometimes it can take up to 8 weeks for a decision to be made.

How do I know if I need planning permission?

It probably helps to begin by informing you of when planning permission isn’t necessary for a conservatory installation.

This will be the case when the proposed design is categorised as being a “permitted development”. What counts as a “permitted development” we hear you cry?

No application for planning permission for a conservatory at a house needs to be made if the below criteria is met:

• No more than half the area of land around the “original house”* would be covered by additions or other buildings.
• No extension forward of the principal elevation or side elevation fronting a highway.
• No extension to be higher than the highest part of the roof.
• Single-storey rear extension must not extend beyond the rear wall of the original house* by more than three metres if an attached house or by four metres if a detached house. In addition, outside Article 1(5) designated land* and Sites of Special Scientific Interest the limit is increased to 6m if an attached house and 8m if a detached house until 30 May 2019. These increased limits (between 3m and 6m and between 4m and 8m respectively) are subject to the neighbour consultation scheme.
• Maximum height of a single-storey rear extension of four metres.
• Extensions of more than one storey must not extend beyond the rear wall of the original house* by more than three metres or be within seven metres of any boundary opposite the rear wall of the house.
• Maximum eaves height of an extension within two metres of the boundary of three metres.
• Maximum eaves and ridge height of extension no higher than existing house.
• Side extensions to be single storey with maximum height of four metres and width no more than half that of the original house.
• Roof pitch of extensions higher than one storey to match existing house.
• No verandas, balconies or raised platforms.

• On designated land* no permitted development for rear extensions of more than one storey; no cladding of the exterior; no side extensions.

* The term “original house” means the house as it was first built or as it stood on 1 July 1948 (if it was built before that date). Although you may not have built an extension to the house, a previous owner may have done so.

* Designated land includes national parks and the Broads, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, conservation areas and World Heritage Sites.

For further reassurance that your conservatory is definitely a “permitted development” you’re advised to contact your local planning authority and building control body.

You will also need to get in touch with your local planning authority if planning permission is required. They will give you all the guidance you need and inform you of the relevant cost of applying.

It will probably please you to know that when buying a conservatory from Permaframe we will take care of all planning permission requirements on your behalf. Start your conservatory buying journey now.