extension of front house with scaffolding

Can I build an extension without planning permission?

Single-storey extensions fall under permitted development rights, which allow you to carry out standard home building projects without needing to apply for planning permission. However, you DO need planning permission for your extension if:

• The extension covers more than 50% of the land around the house
• The extension faces directly onto a road
• The highest point of the extension is higher than highest point of the home’s existing roof
• The eaves and ridge height are higher than the existing house

If you live in a listed building, even if you do not require planning permission, you may require Listed Building Consent. Similar restrictions may apply if you live in a conservation area.

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Planning permission for extensions and conservatories

The following regulations are all in place for detached and semi-detached properties in England. Extensions on the side of your house require planning permission if:

• They are over 4 metres in height, or are more than a single storey
• They are wider than half the width of the original house

Extensions on the rear of your house require planning permission if:

• They are over 4 metres in height, or are more than a single storey
• They extend beyond the rear of the original house by over 6 metres (for semi-detached properties) or 8 metres (for detached properties)

Conservatories come under the same rules as single-storey extensions, so the above is also the case for conservatories.

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looking through living room into conservatory

Can I build an extension without building regulations?

Planning permission deals mainly with the appearance of a structure, and whether it’s in keeping with the atmosphere and aesthetic of the local environment. Building regulations, however, are concerned with whether an extension is structurally sound and safe to build. A majority of extensions will require approval under building regulations. This is to ensure that the extension does not do damage to you or someone else’s property. If an extension is built on top of a drain, or above dormant tree roots, for example, this can cause a serious problem. Conservatories, however, will not require building regulation approval if the remain at ground level (without foundations) and are less than 30 square metres in surface area.

These regulations are in place to protect you and the structural integrity of your property. As a family-run business, it matters to us that you feel safe in your home. Whatever regulations are required to get your extension up and running, we’re here to guide you through every step.

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Testimonials

Having spent a few weeks stressing over gossip about company lots of phone calls to Sharon who was lovely and very reassuring we got phone call to say work will commence on Tuesday 14th February kelvin and team turned up early to start work they explained what to expect and in no time at all had the old roof off and by my lunch hour 12.30 half the new conservatory roof was already up it took very little time to finish roof all old roof was taken away by them and garden area was left as they found.
On Wed 15th February Kelvin arrived again early made coffee for them I explained a few concerns and kelvin and team cracked on with the lead work cleaning and sealing. I am really pleased with the new roof I keep standing in conservatory smiling thinking the rain isn’t coming in conservatory anymore. I can definitely recommend conservatory makeovers from first contact to finish all staff were fantastic yes you have to wait for product to be made but the finished roof is brilliant. Please pass on our thanks to Kelvin and team as they work to an extremely clean standard.

J Maunder

The guys from Conservatory Makeovers are fab from start to finish. From Jack, who kept in touch, to the fitters, professional clean and lovely to Andrew making sure everything is perfect! Thank you for making my home look beautiful!

Nicola Day

Excellent service and professionalism from Andy and the team. We couldn’t be happier with our conservatory, suited our budget and exceeded expectations upon finishing.

The communication between us and the team was brilliant, and the timescales from manufacture to delivery were spot on.

Kelvin’s work and the whole team were just brilliant, cannot recommend enough!

Charlotte Challenger

Extremely happy!

Jack and Andy gave us the best client experience and value out of all the other companies we had contact with. They had a very professional team and the fact that it is a family-run business is a huge strength.

Without putting any pressure on us and helped us pick exactly what we wanted and need, creating our new favourite spot in our home.

Highly recommend.

James Dyer

Did a great job on my conservatory roof. It was a great experience all the way from the sales rep visiting, to the plans being made and communicated to us clearly and the great bunch of builders who completed the job far quicker the estimated time frame they gave us! They even came back and made some finishing touches free of charge. Would definitely recommend them and be using them for any future home improvement work we may have!

Alex Lord

An absolute pleasure to deal with this family firm. Our initial meeting with Jack was unexpectedly enjoyable with absolutely no pressure, a stark contrast to some of the companies that we have seen over the years.

The fitters arrived at approximately 9:30-10am and were polite, friendly and professional (the only downside being the sheer amount of sugar they take in their Teas). Work was completed to a high standard and room swept on completion.

The temperature of the room was noticeably better this morning (with no heating on!) and it feels so much more like a proper room.

Thank you again!

Jonathan Edmunds

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