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Homeowners will be allowed to build large conservatories

06 September 2012

In the interest of stimulating the economy, the government has recently withdrawn rules requiring local authority planning approval for large, single storey conservatories. There has never been a better time to build the conservatory that you've always dreamed of.

Here are the Details

Every one of the 200,000 British households that go through the planning process every year know the frustration that can be caused by high fees, delays and expensive requirements for professional design and documentation. It is not uncommon for the planning application itself to cost £150 or more, and the professional services needed to put together a submittal package can add thousands of pounds. Even after all that initial investment, neighbours' objections can force a project onto the shelf. Waiting for approval can take months, as well. It's easy to lose a full summer of enjoyment to the red tape.

Under the new rules, planning permission is no longer required for:
single storey additions of up to six metres in length behind semi-detached houses
single storey additions of up to eight metres in length behind detached houses

That's almost 20 feet of extra space for the owners of semi-detached houses and more than 26 feet for those with detached houses. However, the new rules will expire in 2015. If you wait too long, you may miss the window of opportunity.

Expand Your Space

A conservatory can add high quality living space to any home. It can be used for relaxation, entertaining, and of course for indoor gardening. It is a place that's protected from the rain and that's full of sunlight on clear days. A conservatory can be the centre of a party or a place for reading, listening to music and private reflection. It also makes an ideal playroom for children. A conservatory can be used as an art or music studio, too. Even pets love to spend time in conservatories. Just like people, they enjoy the combination of comfort and openness.

A conservatory is an indoor-outdoor space that is surrounded by the beauty of the garden and open to scenic views of the neighbourhood and beyond. It brings the beauty of your garden indoors so that you, your family and your friends can enjoy it regardless of the weather. A conservatory can be insulated with double panes of glass and kept at a comfortable temperature all year. With a conservatory, you will never feel cooped up or short of space.

Increase the Value of Your House

A well built and attractive conservatory can add tens of thousands of pounds to the value of a home. It is a wise investment in your property as well as an investment in your quality of life. In today's property market, a conservatory is a feature that can make the difference between a quick sale at a high price and a house that stagnates on the market for months or even years.

From the buyer's point of view, a conservatory makes a house larger, more flexible and more aesthetically appealing. Potential buyers may see the conservatory as a place where they can host holiday dinners or parties. Maybe they'll want to use it for hobbies, or perhaps they'll picture it as a lush indoor extension of the garden. A conservatory has the power to excite and inspire potential home buyers.

With the expensive and time consuming planning approval rules relaxed, why not take action now? In 2015, you may no longer be able to build a large conservatory without planning approval. Build a conservatory for the beauty, the space, the flexibility and to add to your home's resale value. Whether a conservatory is something you've wanted for ages or you're just starting to feel the need for the extra space, this is certainly the right time to act.