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Building a Conservatory or Orangery is a great way to increase your property’s size, value and appeal. But, before you take a step towards extending your property, you need to find out whether or not you need planning permission. While at Orangeries UK we do provide full assistance with planning permission throughout the project, we’d like to make all potential customers aware of the rules and regulations.
UK law requires you get planning permission to enable you to build on, or modify, the use of land or buildings. That said, this rule doesn’t always apply to conservatories, which are regarded as within your ‘permitted development right’.
In a nutshell, you don’t have to obtain permission if your conservatory is single-storey and if it meets the following additional requirements:
You may also need to establish whether or not your house is a ‘new build’. Developers occasionally place limitations on them.
Conservatories and Orangeries are generally permitted developments which do not require planning permission, providing they meet the above-listed criteria. If a property is extended and the Conservatory or Orangery structure does not meet the criteria, then planning permission will be required. If planning permission is not granted and the structure has been built, it could be liable for removal.
The guidelines are as follows:
Please check with your local council if you have any concerns or questions in relation to planning permission. You can learn more about planning permission here.
Alternatively, we recommend you can speak to AFA Planning Consultants.
Would you like a free, no obligation instant quote? Call us on 0333 335 5051 or fill out our online form to get an idea of costs.
Additional building regulations may exist depending on the land and local laws for property extensions. Other regulations may dictate that you:
If your Orangery or Conservatory has been built without obtaining planning permission prior to construction but it meets the guidelines listed above, you shouldn’t have any problems. But, it’s best to check with your local council as some areas may have varying rules and guidelines.
If permission is not granted but your structure has been erected, you could be fined up to £5000 and you could be asked to take the structure down or face prosecution. But, if your Orangery or Conservatory does not meet the guidelines, you may still be granted planning permission. You can file for permission online here. To file your application it will cost around £150.
With that being said, we do want to make one thing clear: It’s an offence to not obtain planning permission, proactive or retrospective. Local authorities are well within their rights to tear down illegally built constructions, including Orangeries and Conservatories. We strongly suggest you seek advice before you build.
Need help? We’re here for you! Here at Orangeries UK, we provide full assistance with planning permission throughout the project.
First things first, people often confuse Planning Permission with Building Regulations. While both are under the control of local authorities, there are two fundamental differences:
In short, Planning Permissions are concerned with aesthetics while Building Regulations are concerned with function.
The cost of obtaining planning permission in the UK can vary widely depending on the nature and scale of the proposed development, as well as the local planning authority. Generally, planning application fees are set by the authorities and can range from a few hundred pounds for minor applications to several thousand pounds for larger and more complex developments.
It’s important to note that in addition to the application fees, there may be additional costs involved, such as hiring professionals like architects or consultants to prepare the necessary documentation and plans. It is advisable to consult the specific local planning authority or check their website for the most accurate and up-to-date information on fees.
Regarding the time it takes to file a planning application, the duration can vary depending on factors such as the complexity of the project, the workload of the local planning authority, and whether any issues or objections are raised during the process. On average, it can take around 8 to 13 weeks for a decision to be reached on a straightforward planning application.
However, more complex projects or those subject to public consultation may take longer, sometimes extending to several months or even a year. It’s important to engage with the local planning authority early in the process to understand their specific requirements and expectations, which can help streamline the application and potentially reduce the processing time.
Failing to obtain planning permission or building regulations approval for a construction project can have several consequences in the UK. These consequences can vary depending on the specific circumstances and the severity of the non-compliance. Here are some potential outcomes:
✅ Enforcement Action:
If it is discovered that development has been carried out without the required planning permission or building regulations approval, the local planning authority can take enforcement action. This may involve issuing an enforcement notice, which can require the owner to modify or remove the unauthorized development. Failure to comply with the notice can result in further legal action, including fines and potential court proceedings.
✅ Legal Issues and Financial Penalties:
Unauthorized development can lead to legal disputes and financial penalties. The local planning authority can initiate legal proceedings to seek compliance, and the costs associated with defending against such actions can be substantial. In addition, fines or monetary penalties can be imposed for the breach of planning regulations, which can vary depending on the severity of the non-compliance.
✅ Difficulty in Selling or Financing the Property:
Unauthorized developments can create complications when selling or financing the property. Prospective buyers or lenders may hesitate to proceed with a purchase or provide financing if the property has non-compliant elements. This can result in delays, reduced property value, or even the need to rectify the unauthorized work before proceeding with a sale or obtaining financing.
✅ Loss of Rights and Remedies:
In some cases, the local planning authority may take the view that an unauthorized development cannot be rectified through retrospective planning permission or regularizing the situation. This could result in the loss of certain rights or remedies, limiting future options for the property.
It is crucial to comply with planning permission and building regulations to avoid these consequences. Seeking professional advice and engaging with the local planning authority early in the process can help ensure compliance and avoid potential issues down the line.
So, what are the conservatory building regulation requirements? If you want to build an extension to your home, building regulations will often apply. Conservatories, on the other hand, are an exception to the rule and are usually exempt so long as they meet the below conditions:
*Please note that conditions in Scotland and Northern Ireland may be different to those in England and Wales.
For more information, we suggest that you contact the Planning Portal, the UK Government’s online planning and building regulations resource for England and Wales. Alternatively, work with Orangeries UK to build your Conservatory or Orangery and we’ll use our experience to navigate Planning Permission and Building Regulations on your behalf.
Author: Daniel Foley Carter
BIO:
Daniel Foley Carter has 10 years of experience in the joinery and wood fabrication sector. Daniel has written for major publications such as House and Home, Timber Weekly, and Construction UK. Daniel has worked with a large number of construction and woodwork projects and has extensive experience with wood properties, wood selection, and the utilization of wood in home extensions and construction.
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