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Conservatories, Sun lounges, Porches - Planning Permission and Building Regulations

Do I need planning permission?

Do I need Building Regulation approval?

To help you understand these issues we detail below some of the "conditions" attached to planning permission and building regulations. (These apply to England/Wales only) Scottish, Northern Ireland, Eire and North American regulations are quite different - You should in all instances take local advice. For information on the rules for Scotland click here.

PLANNING PERMISSION

In England and Wales you will not usually require planning permission, provided you do not exceed the permitted development limit for your property (which is 50-70 cubic metres, depending on where you live). Notable exceptions to the above are listed buildings and conservation areas. Please note that if your property has been extended in the past - you will have used up some or perhaps all of your "permitted development" area and may need permission. Its also worth noting that occasionally "permitted development" rights may be withdrawn from a property and any extension however small needs planning. If in doubt check.

BUILDING REGULATIONS

Generally speaking conservatories/sunrooms on residential property are exempted under Building Regulations. 

Below are some of the Exemption Criteria - under the Building Regulations 1991 (as amended). These criteria must be met for a conservatory extension to be classified as exempt: 
 

An example of where building regulation approval may be required is a Kitchen / Conservatory Extension. We suggest you contact your local council - explain your intentions - they will be able to give you more specific advice.

As a further guide conservatories that require building regulation approval will need glazing of the highest insulation quality i.e. - Pilkington K Glass (low E) with argon filled units.

NEED A BUILDING SURVEYOR / ARCHITECT?

DIY PVCu Conservatories is currently putting together a database of surveyors/architects who can assist you with planning issues and building regulations. Currently we have good representation in SE England. We hope to cover the whole of the UK and elsewhere shortly.

RATES ARE VERY COMPETITIVE 

If you would like to be contacted about arranging Planning Permission and/or Building regulation approvals please fill in the short form below. One of our "approved" surveyors/architects will contact you direct.