Do You Need Planning Permission for a Conservatory? UK Rules 2026
Most conservatories do not need planning permission. Use this guide to find out where yours stands in under 2 minutes.
Updated April 2026. Based on GPDO 2015 and current Planning Portal guidance.
Quick Decision: Is Planning Permission Required?
Answer all the questions below. If any answer requires planning permission, you will need to apply before starting work.
Is the conservatory single storey only (no upper floor)?
Multi-storey extensions always need planning permission.
Is it attached to the rear or side of the house (not front)?
Any extension forward of the principal elevation needs planning permission.
Is the height below 4 metres (ridge roof) or 3 metres (flat/lean-to)?
Measured from the original ground level, not from any raised patio.
Does it extend no more than 3m from the rear wall (attached house) or 4m (detached)?
The Larger Home Extension scheme allows up to 6m/8m via prior approval.
Will it cover less than 50% of the original garden area?
Includes all existing extensions, sheds, and outbuildings.
Is the property NOT listed or in a conservation area?
Listed buildings always need listed building consent. Conservation areas have restrictions.
Are permitted development rights NOT removed by an Article 4 direction?
Check with your local planning authority if unsure.
Permitted Development Rules in Detail (England)
The rules for conservatories fall under Schedule 2, Part 1, Class A of the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015 (as amended). This permits householder development - including conservatories - without the need for a formal planning application, subject to conditions.
Rear extension depth
A conservatory must not extend beyond the rear wall of the original house by more than: 3 metres (attached houses) or 4 metres (detached houses). The Larger Home Extension scheme via prior approval increases these to 6m and 8m respectively, subject to a 6-week neighbour consultation.
Maximum height
The conservatory must not exceed 4 metres in height (for a ridge roof) or 3 metres (for a flat or single-pitch roof). Height is measured from original ground level at the base of the wall nearest to the boundary.
Garden coverage
The total area of all extensions and outbuildings (including the proposed conservatory) must not exceed 50% of the area of land around the original house. This is cumulative - existing sheds, garages, and extensions all count.
Eaves height
The eaves of the conservatory must not exceed 3 metres in height where the structure is within 2 metres of the property boundary. This is particularly relevant for lean-to conservatories close to a side fence.
Principal elevation
A conservatory must not be erected forward of (in front of) the principal elevation of the dwelling - typically the front of the house. Side extensions are permitted but subject to restrictions on outward projection and roof height.
Materials
Permitted development requires that the exterior materials are 'of a similar appearance to those used in the construction of the exterior of the existing dwellinghouse'. In practice, this is rarely strictly enforced except in conservation areas.
When Planning Permission Is Always Required
Listed Buildings
Any works to a listed building require listed building consent in addition to planning permission if applicable. Permitted development rights do not apply to listed buildings. Consent must be obtained from the local planning authority before any work begins. Unauthorised works to a listed building are a criminal offence.
Conservation Areas
Conservatories can be built in conservation areas under PD rights, but there are additional restrictions. Side extensions are not permitted development in conservation areas. Materials must match existing. Reflective glass may be refused in some conservation areas. Some conservation areas have Article 4 directions removing further PD rights - check with your LPA.
Article 4 Directions
A local planning authority can issue an Article 4 direction to remove permitted development rights for extensions in specific areas. This is common in: Islington, Wandsworth, Southwark, Richmond upon Thames, and several other London boroughs, as well as some market town conservation areas in England. Check the Planning Portal or contact your LPA to confirm whether Article 4 applies to your property.
National Parks and AONBs
Properties in National Parks (Peak District, Lake District, Snowdonia etc.) and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) may have more restrictive PD rights. Side extensions are not permitted under PD in these designations. Check with the relevant authority (the National Park authority or AONB partnership) for specific rules in your area.
How to Apply for Planning Permission
Planning Portal application
Submit a householder planning application via planning.gov.uk/planning-portal. The current fee is £258 for a householder application in England (as of April 2026). You will need site plans, proposed plans, and an existing building plan at 1:100 scale.
Consultation period
Neighbours are given 21 days to comment. The council then has 8 weeks to make a decision (or 13 weeks if an Environmental Impact Assessment is required, which is rare for conservatories).
Decision notice
If granted, you will receive a decision notice with any conditions. Keep this permanently - you will need it for conveyancing and if you want to sell the property. Conditions must be discharged before or after work as specified.
Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland
Scotland
Scotland has its own planning system under the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (Scotland) Order 1992 (as amended). Conservatories are generally permitted development subject to similar rules (rear extension, height, garden coverage), but the exact limits differ from England. Check with the relevant Scottish planning authority or the Scottish Government Planning Portal.
Wales
Wales operates under the Householder PD Order 2014 and subsequent amendments. The PD allowances for extensions are broadly similar to England, with some differences in the conservation area and National Park rules. Permitted development rights were temporarily extended for householder extensions in 2023 - check with Cadw or your local planning authority for the current position.
Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland operates under Planning Policy Statement 3 (PPS3) and the Planning (General Development) Order (Northern Ireland) 1993 (as amended). Permitted development rules are broadly similar but differ in specifics. Check with the Northern Ireland Planning Portal or your local planning authority.