Other restrictions that you need to check before building a conservatory
The Original House Rule
Planning permission often refers to the 'original house'. This means the house as it was first built or as it stood on 1 July 1948 (if built before this date).
If you're thinking of any work on your house, you do need to check to see if any previous owners have added any extensions to the 'original house' as they will be factored into where your conservatory is positioned on the house or how big it can be.
Listed buildings and designated land
Subject to more restrictive rules, you'll need 'listed building consent' to make any changes to a listed building, including adding a conservatory.
Conservation Areas, National Parks, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and World Heritage Sites are known as 'designated areas' and are also subject to more restricted rights.
For example, on designated land, you cannot clad any part of a conservatory or house.
Or, a conservatory to the side of the original house would require planning permission as it doesn't fall under permitted development.
Article 4 Direction
A local council has the right to override permitted development rights. Check with your local office that there aren't any directives in place before you start planning your build.
Restrictive covenants
We recommend you check to see if any restrictive covenants have been placed on the property. Your solicitor should have told you about this as part of the conveyancing.
A covenant could stop you from any development or building work on the property or the surrounding land. In this instance, you would need the advice of your solicitor.
More information
For a more detailed explanation on the technicalities of permitted development rights for householders you can read here.
For more information about building regulations read here.
As a final note, we have to stress - always seek approval from your local planning authority before starting any building work.
You might also want to read:
Do I need planning permission for an extension?
Do I need planning permission for an Orangery?
Do I need planning permission for a porch?
Go back to: Do I need planning permission?
The information provided above is taken from government guidelines at planningportal.co.uk and is a guide only and is not a source of legal information.
Planning rules are subject to change. Information is correct at time of publication: Updated October 2019.