Do I need planning permission for a conservatory?

LOOKING to give your home a new lease of life with a conservatory out back but don't know if you'll need planning permission?

Here's all you need to know about what to do before starting your project.

Do I need planning permission for a conservatory?

There are some additions you can make without planning permission, but failing to check - and falling foul of the the rules - could cost you dearly.

It's also important to check that your home is suitable for development, and that your foundations are deep enough.

Ultimately it's your responsibility to get approval before you start work on it, if it doesn't meet the regulations you may be forced to pay to demolish it, and it could affect your house sale should you choose to move.

The short answer is you don't necessarily need planning permission for a conservatory or extension, but regulation approval will generally be required for any work you do.

However, you will need to get permission if:

• Over 50 per cent of the land around the "original house" will be covered (other buildings included)
• Your proposed extension is facing the road or if your house is sitting in a corner plot with the sidewall facing the road

Some glazed structures may be exempt from regulations if:

• They're constructed at ground level
• It's less than 30 square metres in floor area
• It is separated from the house by an outside wall or by windows
• Any fixed electrical installations and glazing comply with regulations requirements
• It has an independent heating system with separate on/off and temperature controls

A modern open-plan conservatory will need regulatory approval.

In order to get it, you will have to show that its energy efficiency is at the same level as the rest of the property.