A Guide to Building Regulations for Your Conservatory

Looking to add value to your home or want to create a versatile living space? A conservatory is the answer. Whether you’re looking to put your home on the market or just want to invest in your space, conservatories have been named as one of the top smart renovations, adding up to five percent (on average) onto a property’s value.

For many homeowners, their conservatories have become a dumping ground or wasted space as a result of extreme heat in summer and freezing temperatures in winter (caused by their old glass or polycarbonate roof). Lightweight Roofing Solutions specialise in the installation of the SupaLite roof; the most advanced and comprehensive roof on the market for conservatory replacement roofs. A SupaLite roof provides superior insulation for your conservatory (with an impressive U-value of 0.15) keeping your space warmer in winter and cooler in the summer. Tiled conservatory roofs can be up to 15 times more efficient than glass and polycarbonate roofs and as a result can save up to £200 on energy bills per year. For more information on how to revive your conservatory and request a free quote click here.

What is planning permission?

Planning permission must be obtained from the local council in order to build certain structures onto your property. This process certifies that the structure meets the local building regulations and that the design does not impact the environment or other local buildings. The level of detail required for an application depends on the complexity of the project. By acquiring planning permission, this can help protect property from any potential liability.

Do you need planning permission for a conservatory?

Generally, you will not need planning permission. Conservatories are classed as ‘Permitted Development’ and as such are exempt from planning permission. However, there are certain conditions attached to this. In May 2019, the Government changed its Permitted Conservatory Development Rights granting homeowners in England the ability to build larger extensions without needing planning permission.

Within the new legislation, conservatories or single storey extensions can be added to the home as it was first built, or as it stood on the 1^st July 1948 (if it was built before that date) without planning permission on the basis of the following:

• Detached houses can now add structures of up to 8m in length without planning permission, whilst terraced and semi-detached homes can make additions up to 6m. For a single storey extension, the maximum height is 4m, regardless of property type.
• The conservatory does not cover over 50% of the garden
• The top of the conservatory is no higher than the eaves of a property’s roof.
• Extensions do not surpass half the width of your home.
• No verandas, balconies or raised platforms.
• The roof pitch of an extension higher than one storey is the same as the existing house.

There are still cases where planning permission needs to be sought, as the 2019 amendments to the law do not apply:

• Though the conservatory itself may abide by the new ruling, it may still require building regulations approval if an opening is being created between the conservatory and the existing house, as opposed to being connect by doors. If a throughway is erected, an energy survey would need to be carried out by a registered energy assessor.
• Property located within a protected area or area of scientific interest, for example an Area of Outstanding National Beauty (AONB)
• Properties built with their ‘permitted development’ rights removed.
• Flats or maisonettes still require full planning permission.

Instead of waiting long periods of time for approval, homeowners or contractors such as Lightweight Roofing Solutions (abiding to the above guidelines) will simply notify the council of any building work beforehand. Within the Neighbour Consultation Scheme, it is then the role of the council officials to inform the neighbouring homeowners. If concerns are raised, the council will meet and judge whether the extension will impact the attractiveness and development of the surrounding land. If the building work is judged to impact this, the council may block the plans or ask for amendments. Then, full planning would be required.

How do I apply for planning permission?

If you require planning permission for your conservatory, your first task is to get in touch with your local council’s planning department. At this point, they will ask you about the planned project and may ask you to complete a pre-submission form. They will then confirm whether planning permission is needed and talk you through the next steps.

If you need planning permission, you will have to complete an application, including detailed drawings of the proposed structure. A fee will be requested to support the administration costs, how much will be determined on the location of the building work and scale of the project.

The application will then go to the planning register at the local council’s offices. Generally, it takes around 8 weeks for the planning department to make their final decision, but this can vary.

If your planning application is refused, you can arrange a meeting with the planning office handling your application to discuss any amendments that can be made to your application for re-submission. These can be submitted within a year with no additional fee.

Another potential avenue is to appeal against the decision. This, however, needs to take place within 6 months of the reply being delivered. However, this process can be arduous and the deadline may be reached before the appeal is closed.

What is the difference between planning permission and building notice?

Planning permission is issued by local authorities and grants approval to build or renovate a structure, so long as it complies with relevant laws and regulations. Building Notice is documentation that does not require approval from local planning authority, but is used to provide information about the proposed construction or renovation of a property. They are typically used for minor domestic work undertaken by a capable builder such as underpinning, internal alterations or re-roofing. Such applications cannot be used where the building is or will be put to a ‘relevant use’ or where the proposal is within 3 metres or over a public sewer. In this scenario, a Build Over Agreement can be applied for. It is a legal agreement between you and your water company that ensures that they will still be able to access public sewer located underneath or near your build’s boundary. 

Do you need planning permission to change a conservatory roof?

Provided that you follow the above, you do not need to apply for planning permission if you choose to have a modern tiled conservatory roof. You will, however, need to submit Building Notice.

How long does it take for a building notice application to be processed?

Building Notice applications are designed for minor labour. As a result, work can take place 48 hours after submitting the building notice, application fee and site plan (dependent on planning permission).

When investing any money in your home, you want to make sure that work completed is of the highest standard, abides by local planning guidelines and improves your living space. SupaLite roofing with its U-Value of 0.15 is fully compliant with building regulations. Choosing an accredited installer like us at Lightweight Roofing Solutions will ensure a smooth, stress-free installation. Get in touch now for a free quote.