The planning regulations were changed in October 2008 and conservatories are now treated the same as any other extension at your home.

In certain circumstances, planning permission is not required and the building is deemed to fall within ‘permitted development’ (i.e. it is treated as minor works that will have limited impact on the environment).

We have listed on page 2 the circumstances where conservatories do not require planning permission but we strongly recommend that you obtain confirmation of this from your local planning office as this will be useful when selling the property in the future (see our factsheet on Permitted Development).

Also be aware that some conservatories may require building regulations approval which is a completely separate process from planning permission (see our factsheet on Building Regulations for Conservatories).

Planning Permission is not required for conservatories under the following circumstances:

1. No more than half of the land around the "original house"*would be covered by extensions or other buildings. The term "original house" means the house as it was first built or as it stood on 1 July 1948 (if it was built before that date).
2. The extension should not project forward of the principal elevation or side elevation fronting a highway. There is some debate concerning what is defined as the principal elevation, particularly where the elevation is staggered but , generally speaking, you will need planning permission if you are extending a wall towards a highway (i.e. a road or public footpath).
3. The extension should not be higher than the highest part of the existing roof.
4. The maximum depth of a single-storey rear extension is three metres for terraced or semi-detached houses and four metres for a detached house.
5. The maximum height of a single-storey rear extension is four metres.
6. The maximum depth of a rear extension of more than one storey is three metres including the ground floor.
7. The maximum eaves height of an extension within two metres of the boundary is three metres.
8. The maximum eaves and ridge height of the extension is no higher than the existing house.
9. Side extensions to be single storey with a maximum height of four metres should be no wider than half that of the original house.
10. The roof pitch of an extension higher than one storey is to match the existing house.
11. No verandas, balconies or raised platforms are provided.
12. On designated land (this includes national parks and the Broads, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, conservation areas and World Heritage Sites), no  rear extensions of more than one storey are allowed under permitted development
13. On designated land no cladding of the exterior is allowed under permitted development
14. On designated land no side extensions are allowed under permitted development

Flats and Maisonettes

Please note that different rules apply to flats and maisonettes and generally most extensions to flats or maisonettes will require planning permission.

Listed Buildings

Where work is proposed to a listed building, listed building consent may be required. This will often result in the materials for the conservatory needing to match the original property and usually will need to be timber.

Whilst you will pleased to receive approval for your proposed works, be aware that most certificates will include conditions such as those shown in the sample below.

View the sample certificate here