Do I Need Planning Permission For A Conservatory?

It’s a question we get asked a lot and the simple answer is….no! Adding a conservatory to your house is one of the easiest ways to add extra room and value to your home but making the decision to extend your property is a big commitment, and not one to be taken lightly. A conservatory or single-storey extension can be built without seeking planning permission first if:

• It is a MAXIMUM of 4 metres high.
• It is on the REAR of the property and projects no more than 4 metres for detached properties and no more than 3 metres on any other house types.
• The conservatory DOES NOT cover more than half of the remaining garden.
• The roof eaves and ridge ARE NOT higher than the existing property’s eaves and ridge.
• Side extensions DO NOT extend more than half the width of the original house and DO NOT face a highway.
• There are no verandas, balconies or raised platforms.

You are allowed to build certain types of structures without applying for planning permission because of ‘permitted development rights’ that are granted by Parliament. Some conservatories and single-storey extensions fall into this category. Until May 2019, the Government’s permitted development rights will allow detached property owners to extend rear extensions outwards by up to 8 metres, all other house types can extend by up to 6 metres. Rather than applying for planning permission, you will need to consult your neighbours, via the planning office, under the ‘Neighbour Consultation Scheme’. Some properties are built with their permitted development rights removed, if this is the case the homeowner will need planning permission to build any kind of conservatory or extension.

We recently completed this solid roof conservatory for one of our customers in Leeds. They required an extra room on their home, to use as a playroom for their children. We created this 3 metre by 4 and a half metre conservatory for them which has given them the space they desperately needed. This solid roof conservatory fit all the criteria above and therefore was exempt from planning permission. If planning permission is required however, Trent Valley Windows will take care of all your needs meaning there will be no stress on your part, as our team will project manage the whole process.