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The Ultimate Guide to Planning Permission for Conservatories

 

When making the decision to extend your home, it is important to be aware of potential restrictions. Failing to check with your local council that the structure you are looking to build fits your local regulations could result in fines, or in the worst-case scenario, you may have to pay to demolish and rebuild your conservatory to fit planning permission requirements.

 

At Inspired Windows and Conservatories, we have over 25 years of experience planning and installing conservatories throughout Southampton, Eastleigh, Winchester and the surrounding areas. We understand that the paperwork involved in building a conservatory can be confusing, which is why we can take care of the administrative part for you, so you can focus on your exciting new build!

 

Why Do I Need Planning Permission?

 

Failure to obtain planning permission could affect the sale of your home in the future, as incorrect permissions and the work required to fix them can cause the sale to fall through. As a rule of thumb, you should always check with your local planning authority before starting any building work, to check that your designs meet the regulations of your local council.

Larger home extensions, categorised as extending between four and eight metres from the original build for detached houses, and between three and six metres for all other houses, require prior approval, which means that your neighbours have up to 21 days to object to your build if they believe it will impact their property.

 

What is Permitted Development?

 

When planning to construct a single storey conservatory, the build is considered to be a permitted development. This means that planning permission is not required, as long as a specific set of conditions are met. These conditions and all planning rules are subject to change, and we recommend that you check the Planning Portal and other trusted sources.

A conservatory does not need planning permission if the following conditions are met:

 

  • Conservatory must not exceed 50% of the total area of the land around the original house*, including sheds, outbuildings, and any previous extensions
  • Conservatories built on the side of a house must not have a width greater than half the width of the original house
  • Conservatories must not extend beyond the rear of the original house by over 6 metres (semi) or 8 metres (detached house)
  • Conservatories built to the side of a house must be single storey with a maximum height of four metres
  • Single storey conservatories built to the rear of a house must not exceed a maximum height of four metres
  • If a conservatory is built within two metres of a boundary, maximum eaves height should be no higher than three metres
  • The tallest point of the conservatory should be no higher than the roof ridge line of the house

 

*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).

A conservatory will need planning permission if the build does not adhere to the above conditions, and permissions are required for certain builds if your site is designated land (the Broads, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, conservation areas, World Heritage sites, or a Site of Special Scientific Interest).

 

Building Regulations

 

Building regulations ensure that if you are extending or altering an existing building, the new build remains compliant. It is the responsibility of the builder or installer to ensure that the fabric of the building, and any fittings or services are no less compliant than the original building. You won’t need to apply for buildings regulation approval if:

 

  • Your conservatory floor is no more than 30 square metres
  • Your conservatory is built at ground level
  • Your conservatory has an independent heating system to the rest of the house, with a control to turn the heating on and off
  • The conservatory is separated from the house by windows or an external wall
  • The fixed electrical installations and any glazing comply with the relevant building regulations

 

If you are dreaming of an open plan conservatory, or a conservatory without its own radiator or heating system, you will need buildings regulation approval. To get approved, you will have to show that your new conservatory is as energy efficient as the rest of your home. To ensure this, work with a reputable glazing and conservatory expert such as Inspired Windows and Conservatories, who will install double glazing and conservatories which are thermally efficient.

For more detailed information about your rights, how to apply for planning permission and specific restrictions, visit the Planning Portal or contact your local planning authority.

 

About Inspired Windows and Conservatories

 

Inspired Windows and Conservatories has provided energy efficient, hassle free conservatory installation to customers across the South Coast since 1994. Located in Fair Oak, Eastleigh, Inspired Windows and Conservatories is the one stop shop for all your supply and installation needs. With an unbeaten catalogue of styles, finishes, and designs and an expert installation team, we provide high quality, professional supply and installation services that transform and add value to your home.

To get in touch with our team, complete our contact form.  You can also keep up with our news and blogs on Facebook, @InspiredSouthampton.

 

 

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