Do You Need Planning Permission to Convert a Conservatory Into an Extension?

Tired of your conservatory feeling like a greenhouse in summer and icebox in winter? Converting it into a single storey extension is one of the best steps you can take to get a comfortable living space you can enjoy all year round. Whether you’re dreaming of a cosy new bedroom, a spacious games room, or simply a more comfortable living area, an extension offers unlimited possibilities. Also, well-constructed extensions offer a range of benefits over traditional conservatories, including improved energy efficiency, increased home value, and stunning options to create seamless open-plan layouts – all without sacrificing natural light, thanks to the use of roof lanterns or skylights!

As great as that all sounds, there’s still one thing stopping you from jumping right in: planning permission.

We’re here to help you understand how to convert your conservatory with minimal fuss. Keep reading to discover the rules and regulations for converting a conservatory into an extension, and how to determine which ones apply to your project.

Do you need planning permission for a conservatory conversion?

Generally, you don’t need planning permission to turn a conservatory into a full extension. This is because most conversions fall under permitted development rights, meaning you can do the work without formal approval if it meets certain conditions:

• The extension (post-conversion) must not exceed 50% of the total area of land around the house.
• It must not extend more than 6 metres from the rear wall of an attached house, or 8 metres for a detached house (in England; Scotland, and Wales may differ).
• The height must not exceed 4 metres, or 3 metres if it’s within 2 metres of the boundary.
• It must not be forward of the principal elevation (i.e the front of the house facing the street).
• The extension must not involve the installation of balconies, raised platforms, or verandas.

Are there any exceptions?

You might need planning permission in several situations, such as:

• Your project doesn’t meet the criteria mentioned above.
• You’re making significant changes, like expanding the conservatory beyond the permissible limits.
• Your conservatory is listed as historically or architecturally significant.
• Your local authorities have specific regulations.

Even if you’re fairly confident about whether or not you’ll need planning permission, it’s always a good idea to consult an expert. They can guide you based on the details of your project and give you peace of mind that your new extension will be legally compliant.

What about building regulations?

Even if planning permission isn’t required, you’ll still likely need to get building regulations approval.

Building regulations are in place to make sure structures are safe, healthy, and energy-efficient. They’re necessary when converting a conservatory into an extension for several reasons:

• Converting a conservatory into a permanent extension involves major structural changes. Building regulations make sure the new structure can handle the weight and stresses it will face, preventing potential damage or collapse.
• Modern regulations make energy efficiency a priority. The converted extension must meet standards for insulation, heating, and ventilation to reduce energy consumption and lower your carbon footprint.
• Any electrical work done during the conversion must follow safety regulations to prevent hazards and safeguard everyone in the home.

Again, it’s always a good idea to consult a professional before starting any work. They can advise you on whether you need planning permission, guide you through the building regulations, and make sure your project is done properly from start to finish.

Convert your conservatory into a stunning, compliant extension with Single Storey Extensions

Excited to turn your conservatory into an extension, but not keen on handling the paperwork? Let Single Storey Extensions handle the heavy lifting. As the South’s leading specialists in high-quality, fully customisable conservatory conversions, we’ve mastered the building control process and will guide you every step of the way, from the initial design to the final inspection. We’ll help prepare and submit all the necessary paperwork, with tips to streamline the approval process, so you can avoid delays and enjoy a high-quality, compliant build from day one.

Our conversion services cover much of the South, including Dorset, Hampshire, Wiltshire, and surrounding areas. You can see what we’re capable of by visiting our showroom in Somerset or checking out our gallery.

Ready to get started? Let’s chat about your vision and see how we can turn it into reality, quickly and easily. Book a consultation online or call us on 0331 630 2550 today!