Do you need planning permission for a conservatory?

Building a conservatory is a fantastic way of increasing your living space while introducing a new area for relaxing and socialising. If you’re considering expanding your home, you’re likely wondering whether you need planning permission for a conservatory. Remember, it’s down to you to apply for permission if required and there are penalties if you build without this.

These penalties can have a big impact on you, from being forced to revert your home to its original state to having difficulty when it comes to selling your property. That’s why it’s so important to ensure you have the correct rubber stamp before going ahead with any home renovations.

Do you need planning permission for a conservatory? Well, this will depend on a few factors.

You’ll need planning permission if your conservatory covers an area greater than 50% of the area covered by your original house. In addition, if your conservatory is positioned at the front or side of your home, you’ll often need planning permission.

When is conservatory planning permission not required?

Now we know there are certain conditions that affect whether you need permission, let’s look at when conservatory planning permission is not required. You won’t need planning permission if your conservatory is considered as a permitted development.

You can avoid planning permission when building a conservatory if the following are met:

1. Your conservatory covers less than 50% of the area your home covers
2. Your conservatory will be located at the rear of your property
3. Your conservatory extends less than 6 metres from the rear of your property (or 8 metres for a detached house)
4. Your conservatory’s eaves are less than 3 metres if it’ll sit less than 2 metres from your property boundary
5. Your conservatory’s eaves are lower than the highest part of your home
6. Your conservatory is built to the side of your home and is less than 4 metres high, plus is narrower than half your home’s width
7. Your conservatory is less than 4 metres high at the back of your home

Do I need building regulations for a conservatory?

Building regulations are essential to keep you safe in your home and will usually be required for adding an extension. Conservatories, however, are often exempt from building regulations. Having said that, you do need building regulations approval for a conservatory that is:

• Larger than 30 square metres
• Not attached to your home
• Fitted with electrical installations that don’t meet building regulations
• Higher than ground level
• Not fitted with a separate heating system to your home

Please note, you’ll also need building regulations approval if you’re creating a structural opening from your home to the conservatory. It’s strongly recommended that you don’t build a conservatory that prevents access by ladder to your loft in case of fire.

FAQs

Do I need planning permission for a conservatory with a tiled roof?

When you pick your ideal conservatory, you’ll need to choose the type of roof you prefer. Many conservatories have glass roofs, but a tiled roof is a great example of a solid conservatory roof.

The rules around solid roofs are a little different but generally, they’re considered a permitted development. This means you won’t need planning permission for this style of conservatory.

Do I need building regulations for a conservatory with a tiled roof?

As with planning permission for a tiled roof conservatory, you usually won’t need building regulations approval. There are certain circumstances where regulations apply, and these are covered under our ‘do I need building regulations for a conservatory’ section.

Do I need planning permission for a conservatory if I already have an extension?

As with any conservatory, you’ll only need planning permission if your conservatory falls outside permitted development.

How big can a conservatory be without planning permission?

There are a few rules surrounding whether or not you need planning permission for your conservatory and size is a big factor. If your home is terraced or semi-detached, you won’t need planning permission for a conservatory that is smaller than 6 metres. Alternatively, if your home is detached, your conservatory can be up to 8 metres before planning permission is needed.

Can I build a conservatory without planning permission?

Yes, but only when it falls under permitted development as covered earlier in this guide.

I’m ready to start building my conservatory!

That’s great news. Building a conservatory is a big job that needs to be done to the highest standards to prevent any future issues.

Thankfully, our members are here to guide you through the process with advice and support when making important decisions. Simply add your postcode to our free search feature to instantly connect with a range of professionals.

Our members are thoroughly checked so you won’t have that ‘fingers crossed’ feeling that comes with hiring a stranger. You can even view each member’s profile and see real recommendations from customers in your area. We’ve also introduced guaranteed cover of up to £1,000 if there are any issues with your project.

If you need more support or tips, check out the HomeOwners Alliance website where you’ll find a variety of easy-to-follow home improvement guides. They even have resources for insurance and legal matters.

How much does a conservatory cost to be installed by a professional?

As we mentioned previously, installing a conservatory is a big project that’ll take time and a lot of hard work. This means conservatories aren’t generally cheap to build. The actual price you pay will depend on a number of factors like the size and style of conservatory you choose.

Our full conservatory cost guide covers all the prices you’ll need to know.

Which tradespeople should you use for the job?

To save time and energy looking for multiple tradespeople and keeping track of every professional you need, we’d advise you to hire a dedicated conservatory installation company.