Planning permission and building regulations

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According to The Conservatory Association, planning permission and building regulations are often confused. "Planning permission is concerned with the visual impact and size of the structure and not the technical integrity." Building regulations, on the other hand, cover all aspects of building construction and are constantly reviewed – see www.odpm.gov.uk for further details. It is important to check that your contractor or designer is aware of the new regulations. According to The Conservatory Association, planning permission is not usually required for small domestic conservatories, provided they comply with the building regulations listed below. Consult your local planning department as rules may vary.

Instances when planning permission will be required include:
• The house is in a conservation area, national park or designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
• The conservatory is not at ground level.
• It is a terraced house.
• The volume of the house will be increased by more than 15 per cent or 70 cubic metres, whichever is the greater.
• The house has already been extended.

A conservatory is usually exempt from building regulations provided it is:
• Built on to a domestic dwelling and divided from the rest of the house by a door that complies with the requirements for an exterior door.
• Under 30 m sq in floor area.
• A single storey.
• Built at ground floor level.
• Glazed in compliance with safety glazing requirements of approved Document N of the Building Regulations and BS6262 Part 4 1994.
• Not within 1 m of the boundary.
• Fitted with a roof that is 75 per cent glazed and with walls that are 50 per cent glazed.

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