Planning a conservatory extension

[snowflakefallingonmynose]

As the title says. Tell me what to look out for, what to consider, costs etc. Where do I start? I have read a few threads and not many favour a conservatory but I really don’t have space and know of a few neighbors who have done this. So please be kind 🙏🏻

Ours is a new build and a very small downstairs. We’ve been here for over 5 years now and looking to move our massive dining table into the insulated conservatory.

How long does it normally take? I don’t think I need planning permission as I am not making a permanent structure. But tell me if otherwise? I know the area will be around 12ft long and 6ft wide. Just enough to fit in a 6 seat dining table. Since ours is extendable table my plan is to keep it fully extend it so I don’t have to put chairs on the wall side and put the table touching the wall. Let me know if that will be too small or awkward ?

Also, where do I get trusted people / materials from? I have seen some shops around who do this conservatory extension but they are all charging upwards of £20k.

Thank you

Sorry, should add we have a vaulted ceiling with a velux. Added very little cost but stops that ‘tunnel’ feeling in a narrow space.

This. In the middle of trying to sort out my Dad's house which has an extension. I am sure it does have planning permission but I am struggling to find some things and it was a factor in losing a buyer. Even if technically it doesn't need planning permission, make sure you have details of why it doesn't need it, as you may not be able to sell if there's any query as to whether it was done right.

@snowflakefallingonmynoseDefine what is not a permanent structure! Where I live, a garden shed needs pp depending on size and location! I’d consider a garden room not attached to the house.

My new build had a conservatory when I moved into it. It was added by the previous owner. It was an absolute shit show! Freezing in winter, boiling in summer. Smelled alternatively musty and damp. It had underfloor heating that cost a fortune and did nothing but create condensation on the tiles floor which was a dangerous slip hazard.

I looked into getting the roof sorted but the foundations were too shallow and the PVc structure too flimsy to hold the weight of a new roof.

What I’m trying to say is… don’t scrimp on anything you decide to build. I eventually got my conservatory taken down and had a proper extension. No planning needed as it was within PP. I now have a warm usable space. The conservatory was absolutely dreadful. I’d never buy a house that had one again because you just don’t know whether it’s been built by a reputable builder or not!

Your description of neighbours building straight onto a patio sounds horrific! Their houses will be freezing and riddled with damp. That is definitely not the way to go.

In your shoes, I’d get a reputable builder around to discuss what you’re trying to achieve and get some proper suggestions and costs. If you go ahead with the bonkers plans your neighbours have done you’ll definitely live to regret it.

I too think the budget is very tight! Have you checked your deeds and council website re- conservatories. I didnt think they were considered a temporary structure, but ours did come under permitted development.

As a side note, the room size also seems too narrow for a 6 seater table according to this:
For a 6-person dining table, you generally need a room around 3m x 3.5m (10'x12') or larger, allowing at least 90cm (3ft) clearance around the table for chairs and movement; a 180cm (72") rectangular table fits well in this space

Not all ground floor extensions need planning permission

If you keep within the height
( 3m within 2m of boundary)
and depth

(4m but can vary slightly by council)
limits you can extend using permitted development

Check out your council planning’s website and / or give them a ring.

We originally were going with the idea of an orangery off the kitchen for a dining area. It was within our permitted development at 4 m x 4m. We were quoted 32 K In 2021. However when the man measuring for the estimate came back with the plans, he had drawn the door and the windows in totally the wrong place. We had zero faith in him after that and cancelled our plans.

We finally went with an extension to the kitchen, with a double-glacéd lantern in a ‘warm’ flat roof (vapour barrier, insulation board, and a top layer of fibre glass). These roofs have a 25 to 50 year lifespan and they are regarded as the modern gold standard. We also have extra windows to give it an orangery type design.
It has been up over three years now, and we are very pleased with it.

Please note, we had to have double depth foundation because of trees. This would have also been the case if we had had a conservatory or Orangery.
it really doesn’t pay to assume that you don’t have to consult council planning - there are many variables that affect the basic rules

We paid £11k in 2019 and i think it’s gone up loads since then cost wise. We used a local double glazing company - ask for recommendations locally.

Conservatories are what they are but we got the tinted glass roof and are north facing so it doesn’t get too hot in summer. If it gets the sun on it, the best way to manage is with an awning on the outside of the house so the sun isn’t magnified.

We use ours year round with an electric heater. I find the floor cold but it’s manageable. It gives us extra living space that’s needed. couldn’t afford another option!

Didn’t need building regs as permitted development.