Do I Need Planning Permission for a Conservatory?
Many conservatories in England can be built without planning permission under householder permitted development rights, but only if they meet certain limits. Here's a summary. Always check with your local council (Telford & Wrekin Council or Shropshire Council) before you commit.
Permitted development limits (single-storey rear conservatory)
- Up to 3m deep from the original rear wall for semi-detached and terraced houses, or 4m for detached houses. Larger extensions may be possible through the prior approval process
- Maximum height of 4m
- Eaves no higher than 3m if within 2m of a boundary
- Extensions and outbuildings together must not cover more than half the land around the original house
- Side conservatories must be single storey and no wider than half the width of the original house
- Not forward of the principal elevation facing a road
When you will need permission
- Listed buildings, which need listed building consent
- Some homes in conservation areas or the Ironbridge Gorge World Heritage Site, where side extensions are not permitted development
- Flats and maisonettes
- Homes where permitted development rights have been removed
Building Regulations
A conservatory is normally exempt from Building Regulations if it is single storey, at ground level, under 30 square metres, separated from the house by external-quality walls, doors or windows, has its own heating controls, and its glazing and electrics comply. Any new structural opening into the house needs approval.
If you're replacing a conservatory roof with a solid tiled roof, you'll need Building Regulations approval. See our roof replacement guide.
How we help
We produce CAD drawings for every conservatory and orangery we design, and we'll tell you at survey stage whether permission or approval is likely to be needed. For full guidance, see the Planning Portal.
This guide is a summary for England and is not legal advice. Rules can change, so always check with your local planning authority.
Get a free, no-obligation quote
Call us on 01952 240402, email sales@daylitegroup.co.uk or send us a message. You can also visit our showroom and trade counter at Units 15 & 16 Ketley Business Park, Telford TF1 5JD, Monday to Friday 8am–5pm.
