Conservatories are a great way to add space to your home. They can be a cost effective alternative to a traditional extension and are easy to install. However, before you begin, it is worth considering whether you need to apply for planning permission. The rules around conservatories may vary depending on your local authority.
If you plan to build a new conservatory against a neighbour’s wall, you should seek out advice from your local planning authority. This is because, in many cases, you will need to obtain planning permission. You also need to get the required party wall agreement if you are going to dig up the ground around your home for foundation work.
The Party Wall Act of 1996 regulates building on your neighbour’s land. In addition to planning, you will need to notify your neighbour in writing two months in advance. They will then have 42 days to lodge an objection. This can be done by email or letter, depending on your local planning authority. You can expect the process to take around a week.
You will also need to ensure your conservatory complies with the permitted development guidelines. For example, a conservatory within two metres of a boundary wall must have 3m eaves. This is because the roof ridge cannot be higher than the eaves of the property. Additionally, the conservatory must have a door that matches the existing house. If you are installing white casement windows, you will need to seek planning consent.
Alternatively, you can install a conservatory without any planning permission. If the conservatory is a single storey, it can’t be more than 4 metres high. In the case of a semi-detached house, it can be no more than 6 metres long. The conservatory may be able to extend backwards from the rear wall of the original house.
In the UK, you should consult your local planning authority about any proposed development. If you are in Scotland, the situation will be a little different. The regulations in the Scottish planning system differ from the English ones. Nonetheless, the most important thing to remember is that you will have to obtain a planning permit to carry out any kind of building work.
If you have a house on land that is designated as a national park, you should know about the article four directions. The rules for these are different than those for the average residential property. This is because these regulations are designed to protect the natural beauty of these special places. In addition, you should be aware that a conservatory may fall under the “Article 4 Directions”. If you have a conservatory on a semi-detached or detached house, you may not be able to cover more than half of your plot, as the area around the house must be retained.
The Party Wall Act of 1996 will be your guide as to whether you can build a new conservatory against your neighbour’s wall. In the end, you have to decide whether the new conservatory will be a positive or negative effect on your neighbours. If it is a positive effect, you should have no trouble getting approval. If it is a negative effect, you will need to contact your local planning office to get guidance.
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