Potential Constraints

With any development including conservatories there are always potential planning constraints which are often hidden that can make even the simplest of projects into a very complex or even impossible.

When building a conservatory, first of all you must meet the necessary design criteria, whether that is permitted development or the relevant planning policies. If your objective is aiming to be permitted development and you miss even one of the criteria not matter how small the margin then planning permission will be required. Equally if planning permission is required and your project does not meet the necessary planning policies such as size, design, right to light and many other criteria then it would be rejected.

In addition to this, there are many hidden constraints such as article 4 direction, section 106, conservation areas and even just living under a flight path can remove your permitted development rights, meaning everything needs full planning approval. This can literally mean there could be two houses in the same town doing the exact same development and one could be built under permitted development while the other needs full planning permission.

In addition, specialist reports may also need to be submitted with all the usual supporting evidence and drawings. Examples of these include heritage statements, flood risk assessments, transport surveys, wildlife reports and many others.

For example, if the property is located in a flood risk zone, then it is likely that a flood risk assessment report will be required. If the development has the potential to disrupt wildlife such as birds or bats, then a wildlife survey and report will be required. If you live in a conservation area planning is usually strictly controlled and therefore a heritage statement will likely be necessary.

If the building is listed in addition to securing planning approval you will also require listed building consent and building regulations approval before work can commence. Carrying out any works on a listed building without the necessary approvals is a criminal offence.

If there are any constraints that limit or remove permitted development rights or even one of these criteria is not met, then you are required to submit an application for planning permission.

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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