Conservatory Definition and Planning

CONSERVATORY DEFINITION

A Conservatory is "A building that has not less than three quarters of its roof area made of translucent materials and not less than fifty percent of its wall area made of glass"
A Conservatory is usually exempt from Building Regulations. However, when there is no door (separation) between the house (the host building) and the Conservatory, or there is a radiator plumbed in to the Conservatory (sharing the host buildings mains service), Building Regulations will apply. Conservatories which have more than 50% of the walls and roof constructed of glass or polycarbonate, will not in the majority of cases, meet the thermal (u-value) requirements of the Building Regulations. It is therefore recommended that a division between the host building and the Conservatory, which constitutes separation, in the form of a door or doors is installed. A 'walk through' i.e. an archway, from the host building to the Conservatory is against regulations.

If the answer to any of the following questions is YES...

• Will any part of the proposed Conservatory be visible from a road or other public right of way? (normally within 20m including footpaths)



• Have there been any previous extensions/additions to the original property?



• Is the property a Listed Building?



• Is the property in a Conservation Area, or an area of 'Outstanding Natural Beauty (ONB)?



• Are there any known restrictions or covenants regarding development on the property? (ie. Leasehold, Housing Association, Joint Ownership etc)

...then Planning Permission will probably be required.




PLANNING PERMISSION


This is a decision as to whether or not you can actually build a particular structure, in a particular place. Planning is concerned with the visual impact and size of the structure (not more than 70 cubic metres), and not with the 'structural integrity' of the construction. In the majority of cases Planning Permission is not required, however the Company's Surveyor will offer advice on the proposed Conservatory with regard to the regulations.


In the event of Planning Permission being required the Company will undertake to provide this service at a cost of £565, which includes:

• A visit from an Independent Planning Consultant



• Advice on minor changes to improve the prospects of a successful application



• Submit plans, including Local Authority Fee



• Preparation and submission of drawings as required



• Further advice if application is rejected



• Drawing up of Consent Letter for Deeds if application is successful