Planning Permission Tips UK - Conservatories - Dispelling a Myth

It's now well into the new year and the residential development scene has got off to a good start again. All this talk about 'slow down' certainly hasn't affected peoples desire to improve rather than move. Building Design Agents are often the first barometer within the building trade of any ups or downs in trends and I certainly haven't noticed any lessening of work.

Conservatories - lets get it straight once & for all - If you were to ask 10 home owners about the Planning requirements for a conservatory I guarantee 8 out of the 10 would say 'Conservatories don't need formal Planning consent'. When you ask them to justify that statement all weird & wonderful terms are stated such as 'its light weight' 'its not made of brick' 'you can see through it' 'its not a solid structure' etc.

For the record - MOST CONSERVATORY EXTENSIONS DO REQUIRE FORMAL PLANNING CONSENT in exactly the same criteria as if the extension was a kitchen or dining room extension for example. This urban myth that conservatories are exempt from Planning arose from the original Permitted development rights that were/are attached to some dwellings. Given the relatively modest size of most conservatories it was easy for them to fall under the strict dimensional & volume constraints applied to the 70 or 50 cubic meter Permitted Development rule.

However, what people forget is the fact that most new properties have had their Permitted Development rights removed by the Planners when the estate or dwelling was originally approved which has been the case now for at least 20 years & more and more properties have already been extended in the past ensuring that any permitted Development rights that they may have enjoyed has now been used up. There is also a whole raft of other 'catch 22' requirements that can prevent a conservatory being built under Permitted Development that I will not go into here but suffice to say play safe & always assume that your conservatory will require formal Planning and it is just a bonus if it does not require it.

Regretfully this myth that all conservatories are exempt from Planning is often perpetuated by some unscrupulous conservatory suppliers/manufacturers that simply side step the issue or place the onus back onto the client. Any reputable conservatory supplier will assess your particular site circumstances and have the situation resolved at the Council first. Prior to accepting any quote you should first see a sight of the Councils 'informal pre-application enquiry letter' from a Case Planning Officer that confirms the Conservatory suppliers opinion. WARNING - If it transpires after the conservatory was built & paid for that formal Planning Permission was required then it is the HOME OWNER THAT IS RESPONSIBLE for rectifying the breach of Planning Control - not your builder. If Planning Consent is denied and then again at appeal then you must remove it at your own cost.

More house sales collapse because of illegally built conservatories than you would ever imagine - the house purchaser simply pulls out of the deal running shy of this problem or not wanting to wait the 2 to 3 months it will take to try and rectify the problem with a retrospective application. The only slight chink of of hope in all this if you do have an illegally built conservatory is the 4 year rule - if you can get away with it for 4 year or more & can prove its age then normally the Planners are unable to insist on its removal or for you to apply for retrospective Planning approval.

Conservatories are normally fully exempt from the Building Regulations provided the glass is to a certain type and standard , it does not exceed 30 square metres & you have dividing doors between the main house & the conservatory. However, even this has a number of other criteria to comply with in order for it to be exempt but it is normally much more straight forward than the Planning issues.

The conclusion to a new conservatory is this - Always request an informal confirmation letter from the Planning Dept. if it your view or your suppliers view that the conservatory will fall under the sites permitted development allowance. Obtaining this confirmation letter can be troublesome at times if you are unable to supply the Case Planning Officer with some drawing details and a copy of the O/S map. Most good conservatory suppliers will have their in house or externally supplied agent to prepare these details for you. Most Planning Departments will not respond with an opinion unless you can lay it out on a plate for them so don't waste time trying by calling in on them and trying to verbally explain your situation - Always write in with sketch schemes & a marked up O/S plan.

Our 'Maximum Build Planning Guide' explains further the tactics involved when developing land or a site for residential use and how to give yourself the best chance of being granted planning permission.

http://www.planning-approval.co.uk

---

Hand Hooked Rugs

Hand hooked rugs are a great way to add splendor to a bedroom, a kitchen, sun porch, or children's room. A number of designers like Jane Keltner,... Read More

Keeping Stone Floors in Tip Top Condition

I had a customer call me to make a complaint about the Limestone floor we had restored and sealed for them. The building is a state of... Read More

Art and Design

Maybe you've faced it before ? a new house with an empty room or two. This room is just crying out for some furniture. So off you... Read More

6 Saving Tips When Moving

Moving households, whether it is due to a job transfer or upgrading your home, and whether moving across country or across town, is an expensive proposition. Even... Read More

Rustic Stone House Signs

You may own a remarkably constructed, attractive house that is perfect from every angle. The outside of the house is designed to demand a second look from... Read More

How To Give Your Home More Space

Have you been wondering how to free up space in your home? Do you live in a dorm or an efficiency where every inch of space counts?Maybe... Read More

Color Help: Many Factors Affect Color Preference

Understanding color psychology helps home makers choose colors for home decorating.Color affects human beings every day of their lives, even during their very earliest childhood. In fact,... Read More

Installing a Bathroom Vanity and Countertop

The installation of a new bathroom vanity and countertop can transform an outdated bathroom into a contemporary one. Installing a vanity and countertop is simple to do... Read More

Basement Waterproofing Advice

Basements need to be waterproofed for many reasons. Cracks in the walls, leaking windows and pipe condensation are probably the most common reasons basements have water build-up... Read More

A Healthy Home

Your home is your castle. You decide, possibly together with family members, what to make of it. Outside our home we have limited opportunities to improve the... Read More

New Construction Windows Or Replacement Windows? Which Is Right For You?

Hello, my name is John Rocco.I grew up around the window and door business. My father owned a glass shop that dealt in every aspect of residential... Read More

Aluminium Window Frames

When double glazing first became a popular window choice in the 1960s, most frames were made of aluminum. Aluminum remained the most popular choice for framing double... Read More

Sump Pump Installation for Do-It-Yourselfers

According to recent surveys, over 85% of all homes with basements will experience some form of wet basement problems in their lifetime. Installing a sump pump in... Read More

The Techno-Witch and Magickal Appliances

My favourite episode of Bugs Bunny is the one where Bugs turns into a witch and says: "We ride vacuum cleaners now".It is true that the vacuum... Read More

How I Got A Robot To Vacuum The House

Like most people I really hated to vacuum the house. I thought anyone who enjoyed vacuuming was close to insanity. Well, I must be crazy too because... Read More

Do You Have a Master Bedroom? You Shouldnt! Tips for Remodeling Your Bedroom

The word "master" is an antiquated term that suggests control, domination, and inequality, and in today's cooperative partner and/or single parent household, the label "master suite" has... Read More

The Best Way To Clean Carpet?

What is the absolute best way to clean carpet? Carpet manufacturers are almost unanimous. The best way is to use hot-water extraction, also called steam cleaning. Shaw... Read More

Design Psychology: Fabrics

From a riot of color in bold chintzes to the gentle rustle of taffeta, fabrics influence our mental attitude in many subtle and not so subtle ways.... Read More

Luxury Bedding is More Than Just Thread Count

Thread count is the most widely referred to term when searching for those "perfect sheets." Generally, the higher the thread count, the more costly you'll find the... Read More

Deck Building Ledger - The Secrets to Successful Deck Construction

The Deck Building Ledger holds all the secrets to successful deck construction because it is the essential piece of wood that connects your deck to your home... Read More

Remodeling Your Kitchen

Remodeling a kitchen is one of the best investments a homeowner can make. For most homeowners it is the most important room in the house. It is... Read More

House Plans ? Where To Start

You have found the perfect lot on which to build your new home. Now you have an abundance of decisions to make. Where will the house sit... Read More

Acting As Your Own General Contractor When Building Your Dream Home

This article is intended for the DIY (Do It Yourself) home builder; however, it is very useful information for the new home buyer to understand what processes... Read More

Use the FHA Mortgage Specifically Created for Home Improvement

Almost everyone knows about FHA mortgages. They are tailor-made for first time homebuyers and others with less than perfect credit or other financial issues. You don't have... Read More

Chester Conservatory Build Process

1. The site of the proposed conservatory.2. Construction work begins. The trench is excavated to suit the relevant ground conditions, in this case, to a depth of... Read More

Selecting a Laminate Floor to Suite Your Needs

The traditional look of hardwood flooring is timeless; its beauty has brought a sense of comfort and elegance to homes around the world for many generations. Hardwood... Read More