Top Planning Permission Tips for Your New Conservatory

"Thinking about adding a new conservatory to your home? That’s a great idea – it brings in more light, gives you extra space and can make your home feel much bigger. But before you get started, it’s worth knowing a bit about planning permission. While  https://www.hadleighglass.co.uk/conservatories/orangery/  of conservatories in the UK don’t need it, there are still a few rules you should check. Knowing these early on will save you time, money, and stress later.

If you're wondering what your options are, have a look at  https://www.hadleighglass.co.uk/conservatories/  to get some inspiration and idea of the types of conservatories out there.

Here are some simple tips to help you figure out whether you need planning permission and what to do about it:

1. Check if you’re within permitted development rights.  
In many cases, you won’t need planning permission if you stick within certain size limits. For example, as long as your conservatory doesn’t cover more than half your garden and doesn’t stretch too far from the back of your house, you might be fine. The exact measurements can vary depending on whether your home is detached, semi-detached or terraced.

2. Find out if your home is in a special area.  
If you live in a listed building or a conservation area, the rules can be different. In these cases, you’ll probably need permission no matter the size. It’s worth checking with your local council early on.

3. Talk to your neighbours.  
Even if you don’t need formal permission, having a quick chat with your neighbours is always a good idea. If your new conservatory blocks their view or sunlight, they might raise concerns – and this can slow things down.

4. Check building regulations too.  
Planning permission and building regulations aren't the same thing. Even if you don’t need the first, you might still need to make sure your conservatory meets safety standards – especially if you're adding heating or electrical wiring.

5. Ask your local council for advice.  
If in doubt, a quick phone call or an email to your local planning department can help clear things up.

Planning ahead (pun intended!) helps things go smoothly and gets you one step closer to enjoying your lovely new conservatory – without any unwanted surprises."