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What building regulations apply to the conservatory if I remove the door to make it open plan?
If the conservatory is not separated from the house by external quality walls, doors or windows, then it will lose its building regulations exempt status. As such it will be required to adhere to thermal efficiency rules and ventilation rules.
The new opening created from removal of the door will also need building regulations approval.
Find out more from our conservatories common project
Common Questions
Foundations are required to carry and distribute the load of the building safely. Therefore, all buildings should have adequate foundations. The factors that need to be considered when designing a foundation are:
- Type of soil
- Adjacent structures
- Trees
- Drains and sewers
- Size and construction of the new building
- Ground condition
- Landfill sites
It is advisable to contact a structural engineer or speak to a building control body about plans for new foundations.
Inserting new windows which look similar to those previously used in the house will often not require planning permission. Some rules apply to new additions, for example if they are on an upper-floor side elevation they must be obscure glazed and non-opening or more than 1.7 metres above the floor.
Installing a new bay window on the front elevation would require planning permission as it is classed as a forward extension.
If you live in a listed building or conservation area you should contact your local planning authority.
Any new openings will have to comply with building regulations, this may impact thermal heat loss, structure, ventilation and fire safety.
You can use a member of a competent person scheme to complete any work, this will ensure that the work is completed in-line with regulations.
Following a grant of planning permission, it may be necessary to make amendments to the proposals that were originally approved. A non-material amendment may be applied for to approve a minor change to the planning permission which does not breach any conditions originally placed on the consent.
There is no statutory definition for ‘non-material’ as it can vary on a case-by-case basis. In general, if the change will increase the size, change the appearance of a development or have a large impact on other considerations then it will not be considered non-material.
Read more about this non-material amendment applications.
Planning permission is not required for the installation of a stair lift, however, if you live in a listed building, you will have to apply for listed building consent for any significant works, whether internal or external.
Stairlifts must be installed in line with BS EN 81-40:2020 which focuses on safety requirements for the installation of stairlifts.
Planning permission is not normally required to turn two properties into one by knocking through a party wall provided the changes are internal and do not impact the external appearance of the property.
You should check with your local planning authority that they agree, and there are not any previous planning changes or conditions which may have an impact.
Additional permissions may be required depending on the building’s history and their location. If the building is listed, an application for listed building consent will be required before any major changes are made to the dwellings.
The work will have to comply with building regulations, the focus will be on structural work and safety.
Read more about how building regulations apply to internal walls.
