Whilst the specifics of the planning system can be somewhat complex, the core principles of getting a beautiful bespoke conservatory approved are simple and straightforward as long as you work with the experts.
In most cases, conservatories are considered a permitted development that follows the same general rules as any other extension; keeping within these limitations will generally not require planning permission, but it is always worth consulting with your local planning authority if you are at all unsure.
This helps to avoid a situation like the one found in Bristol, in which a conservatory was constructed without planning permission and following a year of various arguments between the homeowner, their neighbours, the local council and the development management committee.
Following complaints from a neighbour who claimed the design looked like a bus shelter from the 1960s, blocked their view and infringed on their right to light, South Gloucestershire Council intervened first by requesting a retrospective planning application, and then suggesting it should be rejected.
However, this decision was reversed unanimously on the condition that the black PVC roof was repainted white to lessen the visual impact of its height.
This was fortunate for the owner of the property, who would have been forced to demolish the conservatory for what was described as a “genuine mistake” and a misunderstanding concerning permitted development rights.
However, every challenge offers an opportunity to learn, and with this fiasco firmly in mind, here are some top tips to avoid planning problems when building the conservatory of your dreams.
Get In Touch With The Council Early And Often
Requiring planning permission for a conservatory is the exception rather than the rule, but even with this being true, it is always best to get in touch with the council as soon as you have a rough idea of the dimensions and design of your conservatory to explore the possibility of planning requirements.
If plans change or solidify in a way that might change their initial verdict, keep a dialogue open with them and communicate your plans.
They can also offer advice on any potential situations where your conservatory might fall foul of permitted development guidelines, what you can do about it and if there are additional restrictions in place such as an Article 4 direction.
Get In Touch With Experts
Using experts in designing and building conservatories does not just help you get the best results and the most beautiful additions to your home, but it also allows you to leverage their expertise as well.
Experienced conservatory companies will have gone through this process hundreds, if not thousands of times, and be able to help you avoid potential problems exceptionally early in the design phase.
The sooner potential planning issues are identified, the quicker they are to rectify and the more money you will save by avoiding expensive revisions or even outright demolition.
Revise Twice, Build Once
Once you are in the position to start building your conservatory, your plans should be almost completely rigid, and this can only happen if you plan carefully and revise those plans until you and your expert contractors are happy with the design and it meets regulatory requirements.
There is a common saying in construction and carpentry that you always measure twice and cut once, and this principle strongly applies to every aspect of the planning and construction process.
If you want to make major revisions whilst it is under construction, something has gone badly wrong already in the earlier processes, and beyond cost increases could potentially create a finished conservatory in violation of permitted development or any approved planning permission.
A robust and careful planning phase will take far less time than revisions, repairs or outright demolition and starting again, and is the most efficient use of your time.
Budget Time And Money Just In Case
Whilst a necessity to ensure that your conservatory meets legal requirements and does not cause issues for nearby properties, planning applications can take a long time and there is a reason why you, contractors and local planning authorities would prefer to avoid them.
However, it is worth factoring the potential that you might have to submit a planning application into your timescale and your budget, so do your research into the permissions you would need to apply for, the fees involved and the timescales for the application.
This helps avoid an unfortunate situation where the conservatory costs more and takes longer than you expected, and in the somewhat likely event that you do not need planning permission, gives you an extra unexpected windfall to spend on decor.