Do I need planning permission to build a conservatory?

Fortunately, most standard conservatories do not now require planning permission from the local council. This is because building a conservatory is not viewed in the same way as an extension, which usually does require planning permission.

Under new regulations that came into effect from October 2008, adding a conservatory to your house is considered to be permitted development. According to national Building Regulations, a conservatory is now exempt from from planning permission if it is:

- less than 30 square metres
- no more than 25% of its wall area is brickwork.
- no more than half the area of land around the original house is used
- no higher than the highest part of the main property's roof.
- no deeper than three metres for an attached house and four metres for a detached house.
- height of a single-storey rear extension is no more than four metres.
- has a glass roof
- lies at ground level
- not heated by the main property's heating system
- accessed separately from the main building
- does not contain drainage systems
- does not contain verandas, balconies or raised platforms.

If you are unsure whether your proposed conservatory complies with these rules, you should consult your local planning office before you commence building. Remember, councils have the authority to pull down buildings that failed to obtain planning permission.

Conservatory structure and materials

More conservatory advice

What type of conservatory design should I choose and what type of conservatory structure is best?

What should I consider when thinking about the location of my conservatory and what are the rules regarding conservatory planning permission?

And finally, what forms of conservatory windows. are available, and how do I go about heating my conservatory?