Building Regulations and Planning Permission can be an unwanted concern. Conservatory World Direct are extremely knowledgeable about the Building Regulations process and we can take care of the application (if required).

What is the difference between Building Regulations and Planning Permission?

Building Regulations and Planning Permission and are often confused. Both are the responsibility of the Local Authority. Planning Permission takes into consideration the aesthetic effect of a new building/extension on the surrounding homes and neighbourhood, whilst Building Regulations define how the structure must be constructed in terms of thermal efficiency plus many other factors such as structural integrity.

Will my conservatory need to satisfy Building Regulations?

Building regulations will generally apply if you want to build an extension to your home. However, conservatories are normally exempt when they meet a number of conditions:-

• They are built at ground level and are less than 30 square metres in floor area.
• At least half of the new wall and three quarters of the roof is either glazed or translucent material.
• The conservatory is separated from the house by external quality door(s).
• Glazing and any fixed electrical installations comply with the applicable building regulations requirements.

You are advised not to construct conservatories where they will restrict ladder access to windows serving rooms in roof or loft conversions, particularly if any of the windows are intended to help escape or rescue if there is a fire.

Any new structural opening between the conservatory and the existing house will require building regulations approval, even if the conservatory itself is an exempt structure. Please note that requirements in Scotland, and to a lesser extent, Northern Ireland are different to those in England and Wales.

We suggest that you contact Conservatory World to discuss planning issues or contact your local authority. Planning officers are very approachable and many local authority planning officers will be glad to talk about your project over the phone or even to do a home visit. Alternatively click here to read more about building regulations.