Conservatory Building Regulations

Planning Permission

You do not usually require planning permission for a new conservatory unless you live in a conservation area or a listed property. Another case where you might need planning permission is if your property has already been extended in some way. Most properties have a development limit of 50 - 70 cubic metres (depending on where you live). If the original property has been added to, some of this 'permitted development' area may have been used up.

It is also worth noting that occasionally 'permitted development' rights may have been withdrawn from a property and any extension no matter how small needs permission. In all cases if you have any doubts at all, check with your local authority.

Building Regulations

Again if you live in England and Wales, conservatories are usually exempt from building regulations. To qualify for this exemption, your conservatory should meet the following criteria:

• The roof comprises at least 75% of translucent material and the walls comprise at least 50% translucent material.
• The floor area is less then 30m2.
• The conservatory is sited at ground level.
• Attached to and thermally separated from the dwelling, but having a door giving access to it.

Position

The position - or aspect - of your conservatory should always influence your final choice of design, layout and furnishings. Conservatories facing south receive more direct sunlight and as such you might want to consider additional ventilation, blinds and even the use of a performance glass such as Celsius.

With north facing conservatories, these issues are less pressing. However, the use of glass as a glazing option to prevent heat loss and overheating is increasing in popularity whatever the location of a conservatory.

East facing conservatories catch the early morning sun and make ideal morning or breakfast rooms, whereas west facing rooms catch the evening sunset and are a perfect place to relax after a long day.

Size and shape

When it comes to conservatories, bigger isn't always better. What really counts is that you opt for a size and shape that will complement your home and garden - not overpower them. Also don't be content with a mental picture of your conservatory as plans and measurements on paper can be deceptive. Get a feel for the conservatory area, go outside and mark out the planned boundaries, then walk around within them to get an accurate impression of your conservatory's dimensions. Remember that the walls will take up space so your conservatory's interior will be smaller than the area marked.