CONSERVATORIES

Do I need Building Regulation Consent to add a conservatory to my house?
At present you are not required to submit a Building Regulation application for a conservatory if the following strict criteria are met:

1

Sited at ground floor level in a domestic property with a floor area measuring less than 30m²,

2

Glazing to meet the requirements of Part N of the Building Regulations,

3

Not less than ¾ of its roof area and not less than ½ of its external wall area made from translucent material and

4

Is thermally separated from the dwelling by walls, windows and doors with the same u-value and draught stripping provisions as provided elsewhere in the dwelling.

NOTE: This exemption does not extend to any electrical work. If you cannot meet all of the above criteria, then an application will need to be submitted to Building Control.

What about electrical installations in connection with the conservatory?
The exemption from the requirement to submit an application under the Building Regulations for these works does not extend to electrical installations. Either an electrician who is a member of a competent person’s scheme approved by the Government must carry out the electrical work, or an application must be submitted under the Building Regulations. Please refer to our Electrical Safety guidance note for further details.

Can the Conservatory be heated?
It may be possible to allow the installation of heating into the conservatory without the need for a Building Regulation. To achieve this you should ensure that the heating supply can be separately controlled from that of the main dwelling. It is important to be aware that heating a conservatory can result in a great deal of energy loss through the glazing elements.

Other legislation?
Consent for this work may be required under Planning / Listed Building Legislation and you are advised to investigate further before commencing work.