Planning and building matters relating to conservatories and orangeries

Planning

Providing that Permitted Development Rights apply and no more than half the area of land around the ‘original house’ would be covered by additions or other buildings then most conservatory and orangeries will not require either planning consent or building regulation approval.

For detached houses the rule is a maximum 4 metre projection not to exceed the width of the house.  Link or semi-detached houses likewise with a maximum projection of 3 metres.  In addition they would need to be less than 30 sq metres in floor area with at least half of the new wall and three quarters of the roof glazed.

Should you wish to incorporate the conservatory into the body of the house without dividing doors then you will need to apply for building regulations.  The main issue then becomes one of meeting the insulation targets not just for the extension but for the building including the extension.  This will require SAP calculations (Standard Assessment Procedure) calculations: a method to determine the overall energy use of the building.  This will certainly require a high standard of insulation to the walls and floors of the conservatory.  It may be necessary to upgrade the house insulation, however improving the level of the loft installation will often be sufficient.

Panoramic are very experienced in all aspects of planning and will advise accordingly.  We have working relationships with the planning authorities in our local areas and are aware of their requirements.

Building regulations

If building regulations are required then the buildings inspector will be responsible for checking every stage of the building process including passing the depth of foundations.  Foundations are usually based on a standard depth of 1 metre.  This is dependent on ground conditions which may be affected by other factors such as the proximity of trees (certain trees can consume quantities of water which may exacerbate ground shrinkage particularly in areas of clay sub-soil).

Not withstanding the involvement of the regularity authorities, Panoramic will provide a building schedule which will meet with building regulation standards.