Do I Need Planning Permission For A Conservatory?

When you want to open up your house and provide more living space, one of the most popular ways to do this is to add a conservatory. If you decide this is what you would like to do, you must first find out whether you need to apply for conservatory planning permission to ensure your new structure will not contravene local planning rules. In most situations where you decide to make a material difference to your home, planning permission is required. However if you meet a certain criteria, your conservatory should not need to go through the formal planning permission application process. When is a Conservatory Permitted without Planning Permission? Each local council will have their own planning permission rules, so make sure you check with your local office to confirm whether you will need planning permission before you begin to build your conservatory. But there are some general guidelines that can help you understand whether planning permission is actually required. A conservatory is usually considered a ‘permitted development’ when it adheres to the following criteria: •The size of the conservatory does not take the size of any outbuildings above 50% of the size of the original house. •It is not built on the front of the house or next to a public highway. •The conservatory is built on the ground and does not include any raised areas, such as a balcony or veranda. •The entire installation is a maximum of 4 meters high and does not exceed the maximum height of the existing building. This does depend on your house being of a standard build outside of any preservation orders. But if you do have any concerns over whether or not your conservatory will need planning permission, contact a professional who will be able to give you further advice and information regarding your particular situation. Applying for Planning Permission If you have discovered that planning permission is required for your conservatory, the next step is to actually apply to your local council for permission to build. This process is usually carried out online and will enable you to provide all the details relevant to your case to ensure you provide a full and comprehensive picture of your planned development. Your Local Planning Authority (LPA) will then consider your application and then provide you with a decision. This will usually take 8 weeks for a standard conservatory, though more complex builds can take up to 5 weeks longer. After this time your LPA will advise you of their decision and the reasons for it. You will then be in the position to continue forward with your build or have the opportunity to appeal if your application is rejected, or amend your plans and try again. What Can Influence the Planning Permission Decision? A general conservatory that does not affect the surrounding infrastructure of the area or impede on the landscape is usually granted when planning permission is required. What you intend to use the infrastructure for could have a bearing, and the size of the installation will always be considered. However if it is within your own grounds, does not overlook any third parties and is of an acceptable size, your building should be able to proceed. Try to gain the full support of your neighbours before applying for planning permission, or see if you can overcome any concerns before your application process goes forward, this will make the whole procedure more likely to be successful. Planning a new build such as a conservatory can take a lot of investigation and careful consideration. However, with the right support and the best advice, you could be creating a whole new living space for your home before you know it. The team at Victory Windows International Ltd have the expertise to assist you every step of the way, to ensure you get the conservatory you want. Simply give us a call today for more information or advice on your new build project!

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