Sunrooms are extremely popular additions to homes in the UK. The great thing is that they are relatively cheap and easy to set up compared to an extension of the house. However, there are still a few important factors to consider during the initial stages of design – notably planning permission and building regulations.
The following guide makes use of general regulations in England and Wales. Both England/Wales and Scottish planning departments have conditions by which sunrooms are exempt from the need to apply for planning permission, and you should get in contact to ensure you meet those conditions.
Do I Need Planning Permission?
The good news is that, for most sunrooms in the UK, you will not normally require planning permission. As mentioned above, this is the case for any sunrooms that meet the required conditions proposed by government planning departments.
In England and Wales, laws have been in effect since 2008 that state conservatories and sunrooms to be permitted developments – meaning no planning permission is required. In order to be eligible for this ruling, your proposed sunroom should not cover more than half the area around your original house.
Sunrooms should also not be higher than the highest part of your roof. There are also a number of other conditions regarding the height and depth of the sunroom. No sunrooms should use additions such as balconies, verandas or raised platforms. If your home is a listed building then you will also need to apply for listed building consent.
If your property has ever been extended in the past then it’s important you check carefully whether you’ve already filled your ‘permitted development’ quota. The conditions are similar in Scotland and Northern Ireland, though in all cases it’s important to check with the relevant planning department if you are unsure. This will save a lot of time and money down the line.
Building Regulations
Just like the conditions that can exempt you from needing planning permission, they can also exempt you from any building regulations. These conditions are in existence across the UK, though individual requirements vary according to each country.
Any sunrooms should be built at ground level, not exceeding 30 square metres of floor space. Three quarters of the roof and also half of the new wall should be made from glazed or translucent materials, and any glazing should comply with existing building regulations. The sunroom or conservatory should also be separated from the main house with a good quality door.
Conclusion
As you can see, it most cases it won’t be necessary to apply for planning permission or meet building regulations for most sunrooms built in the UK. However, it’s always a good idea to seek advice from your local council and clear up any questions you may have before work starts on your sunroom. Regarding the glazing of the sunroof, it is also possible to seek advice regarding individual building regulations.
Be careful to do your research before getting started, as this will make the whole process of setting up your sunroom a lot easier in the long run.
