Planning Permission

If your home is in England or Wales you do not normally need planning permission for a new conservatory. The main exceptions to this are where you’re planning a conservatory in a conservation area or as an addition to a listed property. Another case where you might need planning permission is if your property has already been extended in some way. Most properties typically have a development limit of 50 – 70 cubic metres and if the original property has been added to, some of this allowance may have been used up.

It is also worth noting that occasionally ‘permitted development’ rights may have been withdrawn from a property and any extension no matter how small needs permission. If you’re unsure in any way, it is always advisable to check with your local authority.

Building Regulations

Conservatories being constructed in England and Wales are usually exempt from building regulations. However in order to qualify for this exemption, your conservatory must meet the following criteria as set out by the 1991 Building Regulations:

• The extension has a completely transparent or translucent roof.
• The extension’s walls are substantially glazed (no more than 25% of its wall area should be brickwork).
• The extension has a floor area not exceeding 30m2.
• The extension is sited at ground level.

Typically, the installation process for your conservatory will go as follows:

Step 1
The base is marked out and the footings are dug.

Step 2
The concrete is laid to create a solid foundation.

Step 3
Drains are improved if adequate drainage doesn't exist.

Step 4
The base is laid with a damp proof membrane built in.

Step 5
Side walls are built and the exterior is tidied up.

Step 6
The window and door frames are added.

Step 7
The roof is then built on the side frames.

Step 8
Finally, the conservatory is glazed to allow the interior to be finished.