Everything You Need To Know About Building Regulations

There’s lots to think about when you’re investing in a brand new conservatory or orangery such as the style you want, the most appropriate coloured finish for the design and whether it will need building regulations approval.

Building regulations is one of the first things that will be brought up in conversation by a consultant when they’re in talks with a customer as building regulations must be met before any work commences.

Intentional or unintentional failure to comply with building regulations can lead to all sorts of problems! At the very least, you could be asked to bring the design in line with the rules, and at the very worst, your local authority may force you to have the structure completely demolished.

No-one wants that to happen, least of all us! It won’t if the extension satisfies the following regulations:

• At ground level and not exceed 30m2 floor area.
• Glazed to satisfy the requirements of Approved Document K of Schedule 1.
• Physically separated internally from the building it is attached to, for example, by a door.
• Without sanitary appliances.
• Not intended for year round habitable use.
• Used to some extent for the propagation of plants.

For the avoidance of doubt, you can always ask your local authority for an Exempt Buildings Form to make absolutely sure whether the proposed extension meets the necessary rules.

You should use the form to give a thorough outline of the plans and then return it back to them. They will analyse the plans and take some time to adjudicate before writing to you to confirm if approval is granted or otherwise. When they give you the green light, this written confirmation should be stored away in a safe place as you can then produce it if required in the future as proof that the extension has full approval. It can also be passed on to any future occupier of your property.  

Don’t get building regulations confused with planning permission

Building regulations and planning permission are two completely different things and should be treated as such. Planning permission relates to the erection or alteration of a building.

There is a possibility that the extension enjoys Permitted Development Rights and in these circumstances, planning permission is automatically granted.

Full info about Permitted Development Rights can be found here.

Pennine knows planning and building regulations better than anyone

When you buy your home extension from Pennine you can rely on us to assist you with everything to do with building regulations and planning permission. Book an appointment to find out how.