If you are planning to build a new conservatory or extend an existing one, you should seek planning permission first. Failure to obtain permission could lead to you having to tear down the structure, or even paying a fine. In some cases, you may be ordered to do so by the local council. The cost of obtaining planning approval for your project varies based on where you live in the UK. If you have any questions about conservatories and their planning requirements, it’s best to contact your local council’s Planning Department.
There are many complex factors that help to determine whether or not a conservatory requires planning permission. The height and width of the proposed conservatory, its location, and the size of the surrounding land area all play a role. For instance, the highest point of the conservatory cannot be higher than the ridge line of the roof of the house. If you are adding a side conservatory, it must be at least half the width of the original dwellinghouse. In addition, it should be placed no closer than eight metres to the rear wall of the original house.
For a detached house, the shortest conservatory can’t be longer than 6 metres, while a semi-detached house can have a conservatory no more than 3 meters from the rear wall. If you are considering building a multi-storey conservatory, you can’t extend it beyond 7 metres from the rear of the original house.
Aside from the size restrictions, the height and width of a conservatory are also not allowed. As a rule of thumb, a side extension can be no more than three metres wide. A front facing conservatory is a different story. It is only allowed in certain situations, including when the property is located “considerably” from the main road.
Among the things to do before you begin your project is to ensure that you have all the necessary statutory approvals, such as planning permission, building regulations, and the like. Aside from the legalities, you should also be aware of the construction techniques, materials, and methods that are required to build a structure that will last a lifetime. The more you know about the requirements of a conservatory, the more likely you are to succeed.
In the United Kingdom, a conservatory must adhere to the same rules as any other house extension. You must also keep in mind that building regulations cover all aspects of the construction process, including plumbing, electrical wiring, and foundations. If you do not meet these requirements, your new conservatory may not be safe, thermally efficient, or well-built.
In the UK, the best way to find out whether or not a conservatory requires planning approval is to visit your local planning office. They will have a form for you to fill out that will give you a rough idea of the scope of your project. Once you have filled out the form, you will be contacted by the appropriate department and will have about 21 days to raise any objections. If you are concerned about your conservatory’s impact on your neighbours’ privacy, or any other matter, you may wish to get in touch with your local authority and request a consultation.
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