A conservatory is treated the same as any other extension under planning regulations, regardless of the materials used.

There are conditions and limits to what is allowed without the need for planning permission, and these apply largely to the dimensions of the proposed addition, its position on the house and its proximity to your boundaries.

The permitted development allowances described here apply to houses and not to flats and maisonettes.

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A conservatory built with a floor area of no more than 30 square meters is normally exempt from the building regulations, provided that:

• The conservatory is separated from the building by external quality doors, windows and walls;

• Any glazing and fixed electrical installation complies with the applicable requirements of the building regulations (i.e. Part K - ‘Protection from falling, collision and impact’ and Part P - ‘Electrical Safety’ for England only) (Part N - ‘Glazing’ and Part P - ‘Electrical Safety’ relevant to Wales). Read the Approved Documents.

Any new structural opening or the increased width of the original opening between the conservatory and the existing house will require approval.

A badly designed conservatory can be a huge energy drain for the house as a whole. Correct insulation is vital for preventing avoidable heat loss and consider an all-weather roof..