Is planning permission needed for an Orangery?

For many people adding to their current home is the preferred option than moving to a new one.  It may be that more space is needed or that a dedicated space for a specific reason is required.  It might be that the homeowner wants to add to their home and make it more attractive for sale in the long term.  Whatever the case, when work is being done it may fall under the official system known as planning permission – but what work requires planning permission and what can be done without it?[/dt_quote]

Is Planning Permission Needed for an Orangery?

When it comes to extending your property, there are many different options.  From single storey brick built extensions to conservatory styles and even an oak orangery, there is no shortage of options.  If you plan to add an orangery, the first question to have answered regards the planning permission and other requirements to keep the legal side of things right.  So is planning permission needed for an orangery?

Permitted development

Under the current planning permission system, you need to apply for permission if you plan to build on or modify the use of land or buildings.  This means if you are building a standard brick extension to the property, you will need to get planning permission and ensure you are allowed to go ahead with the work.

However, conservatories and orangeries are classed a little differently.  They fall under what is known as permitted development rights.  Under these rights if you are creating a single storey conservatory or orangery you can go ahead without planning permission as long as if complies with the following conditions:

• The property has already been extended
• Materials being used are similar
• It doesn’t cover more than 50% of the garden
• The roof ridge or highest point isn’t higher than the eves of your property
• It is no higher than 4 metres or 3 metres if it is within 2 meters of the boundary
• Side extensions can’t be more than half the width of the property
• There are no verandas, raised platforms or balconies

If you are unsure about any points, it is worth discussing with your local authority where you can find out if there are any problems with the orangery that you want to add to your home.  There is also information available on the government’s Planning Portal website.

Problems with the project

There may be additional requirements if your property is in a world heritage or conservation area.  These may include things like the style of orangery added and how it must conform to the existing building.  Listed buildings are much more complicated to get planning permission to extend and may not be possible at all.

If you don’t get planning permission and it turns out that the project has a problem, then you can be fined up £5000.  You could also be made to take the orangery down or even be prosecuted.  That’s why it is always important to check with your local authority if there are any questions about the project.

Building regulations

Whether or not you need planning permission, you will always have to take building regulations into account with the project.  Planning permission looks at the aesthetic outcome of a building from the view of surrounding properties.  Building regulations look at how the structure is made, the thermal efficiency and other core concerns.  Even if you don’t need planning permission, you always need to adhere to building regulations.

Conservatories and orangery are exempt from a lot of the more complex regulations but there are still rules about their size, how much glazing they feature, the quality of external doors and also the size and height above ground level.  So always ensure these are compiled with when planning the project.