Planning Permission

Do we need Planning Permission?

No in most cases is the resounding answer.   And even if it is required, you don’t need to worry. One of the many excellent reasons for choosing an Ultra Installer Scheme member is that they will be delighted to give you expert advice about Planning Permission and Building Regulations. (Even if planning permission is required, chances are they’ll sort it out for you.)

Here’s a quick summary of the basic facts...

In England and Wales, official permissions are not required as long as the conservatory in question...

• Has a roof made of at least 75% transparent or translucent material
• Has at least 50% glazed walls (i.e. no more than half of the wall area should be brickwork, masonry or solid panels)
• Has a floor area of no more than 30 square metres
• Is at ground level
• Is permanently separated from the rest of the house by an exterior quality lockable door
• Has thermostatically controlled heating
• Is not being attached to a listed building
• Does not contain sanitary or drainage facilities (One of the likeliest reasons for a conservatory requiring Building Regulation approval is that all or part of it is being used as a kitchen)
• Satisfies the Building Regulations with regard to toughened or safety glass (Any Ultra Installer will make sure this happens automatically)

Please note that requirements in Scotland and, to a lesser extent, Northern Ireland are different than those in England and Wales. We suggest that you contact your knowledgeable Ultra Installer.



Size Matters (Shape too!)

Your conservatory doesn’t need to be enormous, just big enough. Small can be beautiful, and it can lower the cost of course, but be sure you’re not making a false economy. Take the planning stage seriously.  Never ever be satisfied with just having a mental picture of your conservatory’s dimensions, as sizes on paper can be very deceptive. There’s no substitute for getting outside to measure up, physically mark out the boundaries of your proposed conservatory and walk around inside it.

Better still, put some tables and chairs out there and see how they fit into the space you have marked out.