Building regs question re open plan conservatory

[Housemum]

I know that if you build a conservatory now, you have to obtain building regs if you don't want an exterior-quality door between it and the house.

However, what if you buy a house that already has a conservatory - can you take the doors out to make it open plan? I know that in reality you can do what you like on the basis that no one knows what you've done in your house unless someone asks the question, but just wanted to know the technically correct answer in case we ever sell in the future!

Thanks

Can't help with legal wotsit...

Just wanted to say that a room with open-plan conservatory attached will be hotter than you ever thought possible in summer, and ridiculously cold in winter, eg our kitchen/breakfast room. Looks nice though, just a nightmare to live with.

I think you'd just have to replace the doors when you come to sell.

A conservatory without doors separating from the main house counts as an extension, hence the requirement for building regs (and planning permission if it is big enough).

I'm confused???? Any conservatory needs b-regs because its a habitable room. Not all conservatorys have doors between them and existing house. Not sure what you mean really. Possibly to do with heat lose?

Yes, you are correct once the building inspector has gone you can do what you like -ie any fire doors can be removed etc etc.

Housemum if the conservatory was built before these new rules then you don't need a way of seperating it off.We have a conservatory extension off our dining room and we have v. heavy curtains inbetween.The kids use it as a playroom but it is freezing or very hot in summer.However it means we can enjoy our view all year round so it has its advantages.Btw i am thinking of roofing over to cut down on heat loss and my kitchen extension is more of a sun room[ ie. more insulation].

Bacon - the new rules are to do with heat loss, as glass is less efficient than bricks all conservatories need an external type door between it and the house, or else you need to do an energy survey to prove that the house is still as energy efficient (which would be pretty tricky to prove if the house is modern, on an older house you could do all replacement windows, upgrade heating etc to cancel out the heat loss and make it at least as efficient as before)