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Conservatories - Building a Conservatory

Do I need planning permission to build a Conservatory?

In England you will not usually require planning permission, provided you do not exceed the permitted development limit for your property (which is 50-70 cubic metres, depending on which council area you live).

Exceptions to the above are listed buildings and conservation areas. If you have any doubts, we advise you to check with your local planning department.

Do I need building regulations to build a Conservatory?

Generally speaking conservatories on residential properties are exempt from Building Regulations.

Below are some of the Exemption Criteria - under the Building Regulations 1991 (as amended). These criteria must be met for a conservatory extension to be classified as exempt:

• The conservatory has a completely transparent or translucent roof
• The conservatory walls are substantially glazed, has at least half the area of the walls formed of windows and have at least three quarters of the area of the roof formed of glazing, polycarbonate sheets or similar translucent material
• The conservatory has an internal floor area not exceeding 30 square metres
• The conservatory is sited at ground level
• The conservatory is permanently separated from the remainder of the property by means of a door, i.e. not open access
• Any radiator within the conservatory is controllable. (If fixed heating installations are proposed, they should have their own separate temperature and on/off controls)
• The glazing satisfies the requirements of part N, Schedule 1 (toughened/safety glass where required)
• The conservatory does not contain any drainage facilities. (Ie. sink, WC, or washing machine)

Building a conservatory over a manhole

You can build a conservatory over a manhole by fitting a double-sealed manhole cover which is relatively inexpensive.

You will not need planning permission for this, however you will need building regulations approval if you decide to move the position of the manhole and you may also need to check local bylaws and restrictive covenants in your property deeds.

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