| A selection of useful pointers for negotiating local planning restrictions.
Conservatories are an increasingly popular and cost effective way of adding extra space to your property, but it is essential that you are fully aware of how current planning legislation could effect your plans.
It is always prudent to check with your Local Authority planning office to confirm exact rules and regulations before commencing any building work. Additionally, always check specific clauses in your property deeds - listed properties will have additional restrictions and properties on newer developments may have a requirement for approval from the original developer to any extension to the property. Often this extends to paying the developer a nominal fee for approval.
As a general guide, if your conservatory falls within the following conditions you may not require Local Authority planning permission:
Detached
Properties
There is a maximum limit to extensions to this kind of property of 70m3 or 115%, whichever is greater. Remember, however, that this is the total of all extensions so you need to take into account any existing extensions to the property. If your conservatory falls under this volume limit after taking any other extensions into account then you may not need planning permission.
Semi-Detached
Properties
Semi-detached properties have the same restrictions as detached properties including taking into account existing extensions.
Terraced
or End of Terrace Properties
Again you should take into account any existing extensions, but with these properties the limit is 50m3
Flats
and Maisonettes
Planning permission must be sought for any extension to this type of property.
The
above mentioned only applies to extensions
after the 1st of July 1948.
There are other considerations which will impact on the need to gain planning permission. The following restrictions also apply and will require planning permission:
- If
your conservatory is within 2m of your boundary, and the highest point of the conservatory at that junction
is 4m or more high.
- If
your garden is more than 50% covered by your new conservatory.
- If
your planning and development rights have
been removed or restricted.
- If the original property is grade II listed. You may be able to gain planning permission for a hardwood and glass structure only.
- Where
your conservatory is planned to be 20m or less from a road
or public footpath.
Impacting your neighbours and your boundary:
When Local Authorities are looking at planning applications they will consider how your proposed development impacts on your neighbours and seek to ensure that their environment is not negatively affected by your conservatory. Try to keep your planned conservatory to a reasonable size - in particular try to keep your projection to less than 3m.
Other points to note:
If you are fortunate enough not to require planning permission, consider getting written confirmation of this anyway from the Local Authority planning office. Should you wish to sell your property in the future, having this will ensure a smoother transaction.
Remember that just because you don't need official planning permission, you may still need to apply to the developer or builder of your property for permission and again you should retain written records of all communications and transactions in case you wish to sell the property in the future.
This information is based on legislation in effect as of January 2005 and is subject to change. Legislation may differ by region and country so please always check with your local planning officer before committing to any project. |
