Do you need planning permission for a conservatory?

Conservatories are subject to the same planning permission laws as extensions. This means that it is possible to build a conservatory under permitted development without needing full planning permission.

However, this does not mean every conservatory doesn’t need planning permission. Firstly, it must meet the necessary planning and design criteria in order to be considered permitted development. In addition to this there must not be any constraints that limit or remove your permitted development rights.

Large conservatories usually require full planning permission which can be secured through a householder planning application. Flats, maisonettes and businesses do not benefit from permitted development rights so planning permission is always required even if the conservatory does meet the criteria for permitted development.

For any conservatory that is likely to be considered permitted development a lawful development certificate is recommended, this is the only way to get a legal determination that your conservatory is permitted development.

Unfortunately, there are never any guarantees with any kind of planning application, even a lawful development certificate for something that is likely to be permitted development. The reason is that ultimately, it is the planning officer assessing your application who makes the legal determination and either approve or reject your application. If your application for a lawful development certificate is rejected then an application for full planning permission would be required.

If there are any constraints that remove your permitted development rights, full planning permission will be required even if your project complies with all the permitted development criteria. This is one of the most common reasons that people receive planning enforcement. They may have read the planning portal and met all the criteria for permitted development but did not know their rights have been removed so everything needs planning permission. In these cases, an enforcement could be issued giving them 28 days to get planning approved or demolish the conservatory.

Building regulations approval will likely also be required once planning permission is approved, depending on the extent of the works.

If you would like to find out what is required for your conservatory, the likelihood of success or the costs associated with applying for planning permission please contact us to speak with one of our expert planning consultants today.

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