Before getting carried away designing your dream extension, the most pragmatic first step is to assess whether you require planning permission.
Admittedly, planning permission isn’t the most exciting part of designing an orangery or conservatory, but arguably it is the most important. This is especially true for properties in Conservation Areas or listed properties. Thankfully, at Hampton Conservatories our expert team has a wealth of knowledge and experience and can help aid your application to ensure the highest chance of success.
If not with us, it’s highly recommended that you discuss your plans with another expert to ensure all requirements are considered, as unfortunately they can be complicated.
Luckily in many circumstances, properties may not require planning permission, in which case, you can breathe a sigh of relief.
Permitted Development Rights for conservatories
Permitted development rights are granted by Parliament and allow specific types of extension work to be carried out without a planning permission application. An orangery or conservatory extension can be built under ‘permitted development’ in the UK if:
- It is no higher than 4 metres high, or 3 metres high if within 2 metres of a boundary
- The extension doesn’t cover more than half of the garden
- The highest point of the conservatory is not higher than the eaves of the original property
- Side extensions do not extend further than half the width of the house
Unfortunately, even if your planned extension meets these guidelines, if your property is situated in a Conservation Area, Area of National Beauty or National Park, or if it is listed, they don’t apply. You have been warned!
How to improve your chances of a successful planning application
If your orangery or conservatory does require planning permission, there are some steps you can take to give it the best possible chance of acceptance:
Start the process as soon as possible. In many cases, the earlier you speak with your local authority the better: they will offer pre-application advice to help you understand exactly what you can and can’t do. By understanding your limitations as soon as possible you can ensure your extension is designed with these in mind so you avoid potential road bumps at a later stage.
- Discuss your plans with your neighbours. Your neighbours can make or break your planning permission application, so getting them onside as soon as possible will help things run smoothly. An extension project needs to be considered with your neighbours in mind to ensure it doesn’t overshadow their property or cause any issues around privacy. By discussing plans with your neighbours and considering their thoughts, they could be less likely to dispute your planning application.
- Research similar projects in your area. By understanding what projects have been undertaken in your area, you will get a rough idea of what has passed recently. This information may help support your case if you are challenged.
- Work collaboratively with your local council. Throughout the process, you will be appointed a planning officer who will work closely with you and your application. Try to work as a team as it’s likely that they might make alterations to your plans, so be sure to take these on board. Your planning officer knows the regulations best and will try to be helpful, so if they are suggesting changes, it’s to try and get your project across the line.
- Discuss your project with expert designers. Whether or not they have any artistic tendencies, many people start sketching out their anticipated extension without really having any idea whether it is physically possible and whether it would meet planning regulations. Don’t get too far down the road of DIY designs are you might be disappointed. An experienced designer will know what type of extension will suit the property, your lifestyle, and what will get the go-ahead from planning too.
If you’re ready to embark on your bespoke extension journey be sure to get in touch with our expert designers today. Our team has an abundance of planning experience to ensure your application is successful.