If you’re looking to replace your conservatory’s existing roof, or are adding a conservatory to your home and would like to have a solid roof installed, then you may be wondering whether you need to apply for planning permission.

It used to be that conservatories had to have a certain percentage of their roofing be translucent in order for them to be exempt from planning permission, but changes to building regulations now means that you may not need planning permission for a solid roof or large conservatory built in England.

Relaxed building regulations

Changes in building regulations means that those wanting to add a solid roof conservatory to their home may no longer need to apply for planning permission. New temporary changes also mean that you can build a larger rear extension (up to 6m for attached and 8m for detached properties) so long as you notify surrounding properties using the Neighbour Consultation Scheme. These temporary changes apply to all projects completed by 30^th May 2019.

Neighbour Consultation Scheme

Even if your conservatory is exempt from planning permission, you may still need to use the neighbour consultation scheme. The scheme applies to single-storey rear extensions, and involves notifying the local planning authority of your proposed project. Your local planning authority will notify neighbours of your project so that they have a chance to raise any objections. Neighbouring properties have 21 days to object to plans and if no objections are received within that timeframe, then the project can go ahead.

Always Check

When planning your conservatory, you should check the Planning Portal website to find the full list of limits and conditions that your conservatory must comply with. The website is split into sections, as there are different regulations for properties in England and Wales, and you may find that if you live on designated land or in a Site of Special Scientist Interest, you have to comply with stricter regulations.

Metrotile manufacture high quality lightweight roof tiles that can be used to replace existing conservatory roofing and installed on new build projects. For more information about our products, please get in touch with a member of our team by calling 01249 658514 or filling in our contact form.