Adding a conservatory or orangery is a fantastic way to create more space, bring in natural light, and connect your home to the outdoors. It can also increase property value. However, many homeowners hesitate due to confusion about conservatory planning permission rules.

The good news? In most cases, you won’t need planning permission. Many home extensions, including glass rooms, conservatories, and orangeries, fall under Permitted Development Rights. This means you can often build without the hassle of an application.

What Are Permitted Development Rights?

According to the Government’s Permitted Development Rights for Householders – Technical Guidance (2019):

“Permitted development rights allow householders to improve and extend their homes without the need to apply for planning permission where that would be out of proportion with the impact of works carried out.”

In 2008, new regulations allowed homeowners to build a conservatory, orangery, or garden room under these rights. In May 2019, this rule became permanent. This means that in most cases, you do not need planning permission, provided you stay within specific limits.

Key Permitted Development Rules for Conservatories and Orangeries

To qualify under permitted development, a conservatory or orangery must meet these conditions:

• It must not cover more than 50% of the land around the original house.
• It cannot extend past the front of the property (the “Building Line”).
• The structure must be no higher than the roof of the existing house.
• A single-storey extension at the rear must not extend more than 3 metres (attached home) or 4 metres (detached home).
• A two-storey extension must not extend beyond 3 metres at the rear or be within 7 metres of a boundary opposite the rear wall.
• Homes in conservation areas, national parks, or Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty may have additional restrictions.

If your property falls within a restricted area, you may need to apply for full planning permission. Consulting a specialist is always recommended.

For more details, visit the Government Planning Portal.

Building Regulations vs. Planning Permission

Many people confuse planning permission with building regulations. While planning permission focuses on size and appearance, building regulations cover structural integrity and safety standards.

When Is a Conservatory Exempt from Building Regulations?

A conservatory or orangery is usually exempt from building regulations if it meets these conditions:

• It is built onto a domestic dwelling and separated by an external-quality door.
• It has a floor area under 30 square metres.
• It is single-storey and at ground level.
• The roof is at least 75% glazed, and the walls are at least 50% glazed.
• It complies with safety glazing requirements under Building Regulations BS6262 Part 4.
• It has an independent heating system with separate temperature controls.

If your design doesn’t meet these conditions, you may need to comply with building regulations.

For full details, visit the Government website with information on Planning-Development Building-Regulations.

Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas

If you live in a listed building or a protected area, the rules are stricter. While some permitted development rights may apply, you will likely need Listed Building Consent from your Local Planning Authority.

Adding a conservatory to a listed building without consent is a criminal offence. This also applies if you are replacing an existing structure. To avoid issues, always consult your local authority before starting any work.

For more details on listed buildings, visit Planning Portal-other permissions-listed.

Final Advice and Next Steps

The rules around conservatory planning permission can be complex. While most homeowners can build under permitted development rights, some restrictions apply. It’s always best to seek professional guidance to ensure compliance.

At Room Outside, we have decades of experience designing conservatories, orangeries, and glass extensions, including projects in listed buildings and protected areas.

Get in touch today for expert advice and a free, no-obligation consultation. We can also connect you with planning specialists to guide you through the process.

Useful Resources

• Permitted development rights for householders Technical Guidance – 2019
• Planning Portal
• Planning Portal – Planning a Conservatory