If you’re planning to add a new conservatory to your home in the UK, you need to be aware of the latest planning rules and regulations. Recent changes, including a surprising ban on conservatories for new homes, could affect your plans. Here’s what you need to know.
Do You Need Planning Permission for a Conservatory?
In most cases, adding a conservatory to an existing home is considered a permitted development. This means you don’t need formal planning permission, provided you meet specific criteria:
Size Restrictions
The conservatory must not extend beyond:
- 3 metres from the rear wall of the house for a semi-detached or terraced property.
- 4 metres for a detached house.
Height Limits
- The maximum height allowed is 4 metres.
- It must not be taller than the highest part of your home’s roof.
Coverage Rules
- The conservatory, combined with other home extensions, must not cover more than 50% of the land around the house.
Boundary Proximity
- If your conservatory is within 2 metres of a boundary, the eaves height should not exceed 3 metres.
These rules generally apply to single-storey conservatories. If you’re considering a two-storey structure, stricter regulations may apply, including required planning permission.
The Ban on Conservatories for New Homes
One of the most important recent changes is the ban on conservatories for newly built homes. This law, introduced to improve energy efficiency, aims to reduce heat loss and carbon emissions.
New-build houses are now required to meet stringent environmental standards, and adding a conservatory, often a source of energy loss, goes against these goals. As a result:
Developers cannot include conservatories in the design of new houses.
Homeowners purchasing new-build properties are also restricted from adding a conservatory in the future.
This ban reflects the UK government’s commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions and encouraging sustainable living. Note that these rules only apply to new build developments constructed from June 2022 onwards. If your home was built before this date, you could add a conservatory, and in most cases, will not need planning permission.
Building Regulations for Conservatories
Even if your conservatory doesn’t need planning permission, it must comply with building regulations if:
- The conservatory is not separated from the main house by an external wall, door, or window.
- It exceeds 30 square metres of floor space.
- It includes plumbing or drainage for a new heating system.
Building regulations are in place to make sure conservatory is structurally sound, energy-efficient, and safe. Check with your local council if you’re unsure.
Conservation Areas and Listed Buildings
If you live in a conservation area, National Park, or own a listed building, additional restrictions apply. In these cases:
- You’ll likely need planning permission regardless of the size of your conservatory.
- You may face limits on the materials and design used to ensure the conservatory blends with the surrounding area.
Staying Informed
Planning rules for conservatories can vary slightly across the UK. Always check with your local planning authority for advice specific to your area.
By staying informed and adhering to the latest rules, you can enjoy a functional and beautiful conservatory—or a modern alternative—without running into regulatory issues.
Still Ideal For Older Homes
While the ban on conservatories for new homes is a big change, it reflects the UK’s broader commitment to sustainability. For those with older properties, conservatories are still the ideal way to enhance your living space.
If you’re unsure about any aspect of adding a conservatory to your home, consult us, and we can help you with the process.