T-shape conservatory in white uPVC - planning permission for a conservatory

Conservatories are one of the most desirable ways to extend your home. Offering a beautiful space filled with light, they can transform how you use your home. ‘Do I need planning permission for a conservatory?’; this is a question we’re often asked. Here at Emerald Windows, we’re here to answer all your queries about conservatories and planning permission.

What planning permission do you need for a conservatory?

In most cases, a conservatory is considered permitted development. This means it’s exempt from planning permission as long as it follows certain rules*:

  • The majority of a conservatory needs to be made up of glazing. If you want a solid roof, skylights can be used to break it up
  • The extension must not cover more than half of the land around your home
  • The conservatory cannot be higher than the highest part of your home’s roof
  • A conservatory can’t extend beyond the rear wall of your home by more than 3m if attached or 4m if detached
  • External walls, windows and doors which separate your home and conservatory is another requirement

If you live in a conservation area or listed building, separate rules will apply. Contact your local authority for more information.

Do I need planning permission to replace my conservatory roof?

You don’t normally need planning permission to add a solid roof to an existing structure. However, it does need to comply with Building Regulations. This ensures that the bearing load is sufficient as conservatories aren’t built to cope with tiles. Shortcuts can cause a conservatory collapse. This is especially important to bear in mind if your area is prone to high winds or heavy snow.

Be wary of companies who promise to replace your roof without this affecting your existing structure. Doors and windows often need to be replaced to make sure they can cope with extra weight. Our team will carry out a full survey to assess your conservatory’s structural integrity.

What’s the difference between building regulations approval and planning permission?

Building regulations look at the thermal efficiency and safety of your new conservatory. Planning permission guarantees new structures don’t have a negative effect on your home or your neighbours. It also looks at the impact a development will have on the environment.

Solid Conservatory Roofs - planning permission for a conservatory

Emerald Windows and Doors: the perfect choice for your new conservatory

We have all the expertise you need to transform your home with a conservatory. As a member of the Competent Person Scheme, we’re qualified to self-certify that our work complies with Building Regulations. This means you don’t need to go through the hassle of gaining approval yourself. It also gives you the peace of mind that your new conservatory will be built to the highest standards.

From the elegant Gable to the spacious P-Shape, we can create the perfect uPVC conservatory for your home. We can also replace your current roof for a more efficient glass, tiled, warm or lantern roof. Get in touch today to find your ideal conservatory.

* The size restrictions for conservatories were due to expire on 30th May 2019 but have now been made permanent. Find out more here.

Areas we serve

Swindon-based family run double glazing installers

With a head office in Swindon, a short trip from the motorway, we are ideally located to offer our services across Wiltshire, Reading, Bath, Bristol, Marlborough, Berkshire, Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, and other surrounding locations.

Emerald provide and install home improvements in all materials – uPVC, aluminium and traditional timber. No matter what material you choose, you can be sure we’ll provide you consistent quality – our work is always finished to the highest standards, whether you’re installing 2 windows or 20!

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What our customers are saying

We pride ourselves on the hundreds of customer reviews that we have collected over our many years of trading. Why not read some of our testimonials yourself, and see how our customers have rated their experience with our service.

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Replacing patio door with a window

Emerald windows were brilliant. The patio door was removed and replaced with a window. All work was carried out from bricking up the outside to plastering the inside. Great work...

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Local Family Friendly Company

We worried about choosing a window company. We looked at all the usual national firms but we preferred the feel of a smaller local family run business as the rep...

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Stephanie C

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Very Pleased

Very pleased with the whole process from Mark letting us see and touch the product in the showroom in Swindon (many don't!), to a transparent price breakdown, no "buy now...

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Casey Collins

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Highly Recommended

Highly recommend Emerald Windows and Doors; new Front and back doors fitted yesterday. Cannot praise Mark the Fitter enough, courteous, friendly and very helpful. Top job with attention to detail...

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Michelle Webb

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Emerald Windows – A Quality Product

Emerald windows have just installed a new composite front door to our property. We are very pleased with the product and the installers were polite, professional and have carried out...

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