What Is The Permitted Development Rights Rule?

The permitted development rules allow specific home improvement projects to proceed without planning permission. However, there are restrictions to this rule. The rules are as follows:

  1. Your planned expansion can not exceed 50% of the area surrounding your original home.
  2. If your extension is estimated to be within 2 meters of your property line, your roof’s overhang height must be under 3 meters.
  3. Your extension must be smaller than the tallest area of your current roof and lower at the eaves than the existing one.
  4. You must use materials that are the same or similar to the materials used for your existing home for your extension.
  5. You must avoid the usage of the following in your extension:
    • Veranda
    • Raised platform
    • Balcony
    • Chimney, flue, or vent pipe
    • A TV aerial or satellite dish

The Difference Between A Conservatory VS Extension

In addition to the regulations of the permitted development rule regarding the amount of land allowed in your project, some construction characteristics will differentiate the two:

  • Conservatory designs get built with a vast amount of glazing.
  • Extension blueprints often require additional help from an architect.
  • A typical conservatory won’t make changes to the property’s foundation.
  • Double glazing, paneling, and roofing get manufactured off-site.
  • Conservatories are far more cost-efficient than a full-scale extension.

Conservatory Addition On Protected Land

Before making your plans for a conservatory addition, you’ll want to know that you are not living in a conservation area or protected land. The land and buildings in these areas are all recognized for their special architectural and historical significance. These protected areas intend to minimize the loss of unique and distinctive buildings and natural features. To build your conservatory on protected land, you will have to ensure that your conservatory aesthetic matches with the surrounding area. If your home resides on protected land, you will likely have restrictions while performing specific changes or repairs without receiving the proper permission to do so.

Additionally, if any concerns arise during the planning of your project, you should seek further advice from your local planning authority or your preferred double-glazing experts for assistance.

Is A Conservatory Classed As An Extension?

The answer to this question is no. You can continue with your plans of building a conservatory without receiving planning permission. However, if your building does not meet the standards set by the permitted developments rule, it will be classified as an extension, requiring you to get planning permission before proceeding.

How Large Can A Conservatory Be Without Needing Planning Permission?

The size allowed for your conservatory depends on how large your current property is. Your extension can not be larger than 50% of the land surrounding the original house to proceed with your project without planning permission.

The amount of space allowed from the rear and sides of the building will also be restricted if you intend to avoid planning permission:

  • Your conservatory can be extended backward from the back wall of the current home by up to 8 meters for a detached house, while semi-detached is 6 meters. If the addition exceeds 4 meters, the neighbor consultation scheme applies. Therefore your local planning authority will need to be told.
  • A rear extended conservatory can not exceed 4 meters in height, but if it is within 2 meters of the property line, it may not exceed 3 meters in height.
  • A conservatory built on the side of the home can not be larger than 50% of the original house’s width.

On top of planning permissions, building regulations will be in place for any conservatory that exceeds 30 square meters of floor space. Find out more about small extension costs.

How Close Can A Conservatory Be Built To A Property Line?

Assuming the conservatory does not exceed three meters in height, it can get built to the property line from the side and rear of the home. However, remember that it also can not exceed 50% of the land surrounding your home.

Another crucial piece of information to be aware of is if your conservatory has a wall or foundation sitting on or near your property line, you must inform your neighbor and seek approval before building.

Building Regulations

Glazed extensions are exempt when it comes to building regulations as glazed structures are a conservatory if they abide by these rules:

  • Does not exceed 30 square meters in floor space
  • Isn’t built above ground level
  • Is separated from your home by external walls or windows
  • A heating unit that is not connected to the current home and can get turned on and off
  • You must follow the necessary building regulations for glazing and all fixed electrical installations.

For a conservatory that has a modern style with an open-plan, approval is necessary. To get the consent, you will need to prove that the extension you plan to build is equal in energy efficiency as your current home.

Is Planning Permission Required While Changing My Conservatory Roof?

Changing the roof from glass to tile will adjust the nature of the building, making it a single-story extension instead of a conservatory, and will require approval.

If your conservatory follows the guidelines of the permitted development rule, it does not need planning permission. However, altering the nature of this extension by changing the roof from glass to tile does require planning permission and must follow building regulations.

Make Your Conservatory Dreams A Reality: Get A Quote Now!

Once you’ve decided a conservatory is a good choice for your home, you can visit Extension Prices to find free conservatory extension quotes in as little as three steps. It’s as simple as:

1. Explaining Your Project

They provide quotes for all types of home extensions!

2. Providing Your Address

Providing your address allows them to find reputable suppliers near you!

3. Receiving Reduced Cost Installation

Compare quotes for a reduced cost extension that could save you £1,000’s!

 

Mike Alexander
Hey there, I'm Mike - writer and part time home improvement expert at Refurbb. Since owning and refurbishing my own property in 2018, I've since been developing rental properties, writing about my home improvement endeavours, sharing what I've learned and connecting readers to reputable tradespeople in the UK.

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