Planning Permission

Planning Permission for single-storey extensions/conservatories/orangeries

Generally, conservatories, orangeries and other forms of single-storey extensions are exempt from planning permission as long as they abide by certain conditions. These are as follows:

• No more than half the area of land around the “original house”* would be covered by additions or other buildings.
• No extension to be built forward of the principal elevation or side elevation fronting a highway.
• No extension is to be higher than the highest part of the roof.
• Maximum depth of a single-storey rear extension of three metres for an attached house and four metres for a detached house.
• Maximum height of a single-storey rear extension of four metres.
• Maximum depth of a rear extension of more than one storey of three metres including the ground floor.
• Maximum eaves height of three metres for an extension within two metres of the boundary.
• Maximum eaves and ridge height of extension no higher than the existing house.
• Side extensions to be single storey with maximum height of four metres and width no more than half that of the original house.
• Roof pitch of extensions higher than one storey to match existing house.
• No verandas, balconies or raised platforms.
• On designated land** no permitted development for rear extensions of more than one storey; no cladding of the exterior; no side extensions.
• Where work is proposed to a listed building, listed building consent may be required.

This guidance was also due to expire on the 30^th of May 2019, however it has now been made permanent by the UK government.

*The term “original house” means the house as it was first built or as it stood on 1 July 1948 (if it was built before that date). Although you may not have built an extension to the house, a previous owner may have done so.

**Designated land includes National Parks and the Broads, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, conservation areas and World Heritage Sites.