Rules and Regs

Building Regulations

A conservatory is a great way of adding space, light and atmosphere.
Depending on the size of the structure, you may need planning permission.

Unless it is open to the rest of the house, a domestic conservatory is currently exempt from the Building Regulations on thermal efficiency.

A Porch or Conservatory built at ground level and under 30m² in floor area is exempt provided that the glazing complies with the safety glazing requirements of the Building Regulations (i.e. Part N: Glazing safety in relation to impact, opening and cleaning)

If a person carrying out building work contravenes the Building Regulations, the local authority may decide to take them to the magistrate's court where they could be fined up to £5000 for the contravention, and £50 for every day the contravention continues.

This action will usually be taken against the builder. Alternatively, or in addition, the local authority may serve an enforcement notice on the owner requiring them to alter or remove work which contravenes the regulations.

If the owner does not comply with the notice the local authority has the power to undertake the work itself and recover the costs of doing so from the owner.

You should also bear in mind that if the local authority considers that building work does not comply with the Building Regulations, it may enter the details in the local land charges register.

This could then come to light when you attempt to sell your property.

Information extracted from Building Regulations - Explanatory Leaflet published by the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister.
Product code 02BR00029