In Summary

• Many conservatories fall under permitted development rights, meaning you often don’t need planning permission.
• Permission is only required if your design exceeds size or height limits, or the property is in a listed building or conservation area.
• Even when permission isn’t needed, building regulations usually still apply.
• Orangeries follow similar rules, but their solid structure can attract more scrutiny.
• Unique Glazing can handle planning advice, drawings, and applications for you.

Adding a bright, airy conservatory is one of the most rewarding ways to expand your home.

Whether you intend to use the added space as a home office, gym, living room, play area, or even an extra bedroom, extending your home is a proven way to add value and increase your overall satisfaction with the property.

But before work begins, most homeowners ask the same question: “Do you have to have planning permission for a conservatory?”

The answer? In many cases, no, but it depends on your home’s location, size, and design. Let’s explore what the rules say, what to watch for, and how we can help make the process stress-free.

When you don’t need planning permission

If your conservatory meets permitted development rules, you can usually build without a formal planning application. These rights, part of UK law, allow householders to extend their homes within certain limits.

Size and height

• Detached houses: rear extensions up to four metres beyond the rear wall of the original house.
• Semi-detached or terraced houses: up to three metres.
• The conservatory must not cover more than 50% of the total land around the original house.
• Within 2 metres of a boundary, the eaves height must not exceed 3 metres.
• The maximum height overall is usually 4 metres for a pitched roof.

Location

Your conservatory must not project beyond the front or side elevation facing a road, and it must sit behind the original rear wall.

These guidelines apply across England, including London, Surrey, Berkshire and Oxfordshire, but some areas, such as national parks, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and conservation areas, may have restrictions or Article 4 Directions that remove permitted development rights.

When planning permission is required

You’ll need full planning permission if:

• Your conservatory exceeds the size or height limits above.
• Your home is a listed building, in a conservation area, or a world heritage site.
• An Article 4 Direction applies to your area.
• The structure is intended as a separate dwelling or has an independent heating system.
• The design involves a new structural opening that significantly alters the house.

You should also check for restrictive covenants on your property, or any enforcement notices issued by the local authority.

Even if planning permission isn’t needed, building regulations approval often is. This ensures structural integrity, proper insulation, safe electrical work, and compliance with conservatory building regulations.

What about orangeries?

Orangeries fall under similar permitted development rights, but their brickwork and solid roofs mean they’re often classed as more permanent structures.

Typically, you won’t need permission if your orangery:

• Extends no more than 3–4 metres from the rear wall.
• Covers less than 50% of the land surrounding the original house.
• Doesn’t exceed 4 metres in height (or 3 metres if near a boundary).
  However, local councils may require full permission for orangeries in conservation areas or listed properties.

Building regulations still apply, especially for foundations, structural strength, ventilation, and insulation.

How Unique Glazing can help

Planning permission and building control can seem complicated, but with over 20 years’ experience in home improvements across the South East, we make it simple.

Here’s how we help:

• We’ll review your property’s status (listed, conservation area, Article 4).
• Advise whether your design qualifies as permitted development.
• Handle architectural drawings and liaise with your local planning authority.
• Manage the planning application process if required.
• Ensure compliance with building regulations, covering glazing, insulation and safety standards.

Our goal is to handle every detail so your conservatory project proceeds smoothly and legally, without stress.

Conservatories from Unique Glazing

We design and install bespoke uPVC and aluminium conservatories, built with energy-efficient Pilkington Glass glazing and your choice of glazed, or tiled roof designs, with lanterns available to attract natural light from all angles. All are manufactured in-house, keeping quality high and lead times short.

Every conservatory is tailored to your space and style, from modern minimalism to traditional charm. Choose from seven elegant styles:

Edwardian conservatory

• Square or rectangular floorplan
• Sloping ridged roof for a bright, symmetrical design

Lean-to conservatory

• Compact, simple, and cost-effective
• Ideal for bungalows or low-roof properties

Double-hipped conservatory

• Dual-pitched roof suits height-restricted homes
• Works beautifully with Victorian or Edwardian styling

Victorian conservatory

• Curved front with three or five facets
• Ornate and traditional – a timeless classic

Victorian conservatories are known for their ornate detailing.

Gable conservatory

• Striking triangular roof front
• Creates a grand, light-filled feature space

Combination conservatory

• Mix of styles (e.g. P-shape, L-shape, T-shape)
• Perfect for larger homes or bespoke layouts

All conservatories come with A++ energy ratings, 10-year GGFi guarantees, and expert installation by our FENSA Approved team.

Orangeries from Unique Glazing

Our orangeries combine brickwork with glazing for a warm, luxurious feel that blends beautifully with your main property. They’re ideal for year-round use and can include roof lanterns, tiled or glass roofs, and energy-efficient glazing.

Because orangeries are more substantial, we always ensure full building regulations compliance, checking insulation, ventilation, and safety throughout the build.

Frequently asked questions

Do I always need planning permission for a small conservatory?
Usually not, most small conservatories fit under permitted development. Check local rules to be sure.

Does a conservatory need building regulations approval?
Yes, for safety, glazing and structural reasons, even if planning permission isn’t needed.

Can I replace my conservatory roof without permission?
Yes, replacing your conservatory roof (with glass or a tiled option) often doesn’t need planning permission, but it must meet building regulations, so it’s always best to go with a reputable installer.

What if my home is listed?
You’ll need listed building consent and full planning permission before any work begins.

Who checks compliance?
Your local planning authority or building control department will inspect and approve the work.

Who are Unique Glazing?

We’re a family-run business with more than two decades of experience designing, manufacturing and installing windows, doors, conservatories and orangeries across London, Surrey, Berkshire, and Oxfordshire. Our 6000 sq ft factory in the South East uses state-of-the-art technology to ensure top quality, faster turnaround times and competitive pricing.

Our accreditations include:

• FENSA Approved Installers
• Liniar Approved Fabricators & Installers
• GGFi Membership (insurance-backed 10-year guarantees)
• ICO Registration (data protection compliance)

Contact us today on 0800 193 2425 or email sales@uniqueglazing.co.uk to arrange your free, no obligation quote, and let’s bring your dream conservatory or orangery to life.

Call to action

Still wondering “do you have to have planning permission for a conservatory?” Let our experts take care of it.

Call Unique Glazing on 0800 193 2425 or email sales@uniqueglazing.co.uk for trusted, local advice and a free quote today.