Do You Need Planning Permission for a Conservatory?

Adding a conservatory is a popular way to create extra space and bring in natural light. But before building, it’s important to know whether planning permission is required. In many cases, it isn’t — but there are clear limits and conditions.

When Is Conservatory Planning Permission Not Required?

You don’t need planning permission if your conservatory falls under permitted development rights. This allows certain home extensions without formal approval, as long as you meet specific criteria:

• The conservatory doesn’t extend more than:

• 3 metres from the rear wall of a semi-detached/terraced house

• 4 metres from the rear wall of a detached house

• It doesn’t exceed 4 metres in height

• It doesn’t cover more than 50% of your garden

• It’s not facing a public road

• It’s not added to a listed building or in a conservation area (restrictions apply)

If you meet these conditions, you’re likely covered under permitted development — no planning permission needed.

However, always check with your local council or use the Planning Portal's interactive guides to be sure.

Do I Need Building Regulations for a Conservatory?

Even if planning permission isn’t needed, building regulations may still apply. You might be exempt if your conservatory:

• Is less than 30 square metres

• Is built at ground level

• Is separated from the main house by external walls, doors, or windows

• Has independent heating

• Is made of glazed materials that meet safety requirements

But building regulations will apply if:          

• You remove external walls or doors between the house and conservatory

• It’s connected to the central heating system

• The conservatory affects structural safety, energy efficiency, or drainage

Getting a building control inspection is often recommended even if not strictly required, especially if you plan to sell the property later.

Is a Conservatory a Permitted Development?

Yes — a conservatory is classed as a permitted development under UK planning rules, as long as it complies with certain size and location limits (see above).

However, permitted development rights may be restricted or removed if:

• You live in a conservation area, National Park, or World Heritage Site

• There’s an Article 4 Direction in place (which removes automatic rights)

• Your house has already been extended heavily

• You’re in a flat or maisonette (which don’t have PD rights)

In these cases, you’ll likely need full planning permission.It Still Counts as an Extension

Even though a conservatory looks different from a brick extension, it’s still considered an extension under planning law. That means:

• It contributes to your overall extension limits

• If you’ve previously extended your home, you might have already used up your permitted development rights

So always check your property's planning history first.

You Might Need Prior Approval for Larger Conservatories

If you want a larger conservatory than the normal limits (over 3m for semis or 4m for detached homes), you can still avoid full planning permission using a process called Neighbour Consultation Scheme. It allows:

• Up to 6m for semis/terraces

• Up to 8m for detached homes

But you must:

• Notify the council before starting work

• Give them 42 days to consult neighbours

• Only start if no objections are upheld

This is a great workaround for bigger conservatories, but many people aren’t aware of it.

You Still Need to Consider Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas

If your property is listed or in a conservation area, permitted development rights may not apply — or may have been removed by an Article 4 Direction.

In these cases:

• You’ll likely need planning permission, regardless of size

• Design and materials will be more strictly controlled

• Specialist advice is often recommended

Freeholds vs Leaseholds

If you live in a leasehold property (especially in a flat or new-build estate), you might also need permission from the freeholder or management company, even if planning isn’t required.

Always check your lease and legal documents before starting work.

Impact on Neighbours Still Matters

While neighbours can't usually object to a conservatory under permitted development, your council could still intervene if:

• It overlooks a neighbour’s home or garden

• It causes a loss of light or overbearing impact

• A complaint is made after the build

Even if planning isn’t needed, being considerate with scale and design can avoid disputes.

It's Worth Getting a Certificate of Lawfulness

If you’re building under permitted development, consider applying for a Certificate of Lawfulness. It’s not required, but it proves your conservatory was built legally, which helps if you ever:

• Sell your property

• Refinance or remortgage

• Face a planning dispute in future