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Call Back – Free No Obligation Quote & Initial Guidance
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Installation – Transform Your Home with Ease Ongoing
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Before you begin planning your dream extension, you’ll need consider a few things such as your existing property, your planned extension and your local area.
Listed buildings, conservation areas, and properties in Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty have stricter requirements for planning permission.
The dimensions of your proposed extension determine whether you need planning permission. Key factors include the height of your extension, how much ground it covers, and its distance from property boundaries.
Your extension must not unreasonably affect neighbouring properties. You'll need to account for protected trees, drainage, rights of way, and any party wall agreements.
Permitted Development Rights
Permitted development rights allow homeowners to make certain improvements to their property without needing to submit a formal planning application.
In the UK, these rights typically cover single-storey rear extensions up to 3 metres for attached houses (4 metres for detached), conservatories and orangeries that don't exceed specific height restrictions, and extensions that cover no more than 50% of the land around your original home.
The rules also permit side extensions under certain conditions, provided they're single-storey and no wider than half the width of the original house.
Under permitted development, you can often proceed with your project more quickly and cost-effectively, as you won't face the lengthy application process or planning fees. However, it's still a good idea to check with your local planning authority that your plans fall under permitted development rights.
Get Your Free EstimateConservation Areas
If your property is located within a conservation area, your permitted development rights are more restricted than standard homes.
Conservation areas are designated to preserve locations of special architectural or historic interest, meaning stricter controls apply to protect their character.
In these areas, side extensions aren't permitted under permitted development, and rear extensions are limited to 3 metres for single-storey additions. Any extension visible from the street typically requires full planning permission, and materials, roof designs and window styles often need to match the existing property's character. You'll need to have your plans approved by a conservation officer.
Get Your Free ConsultationBuilding Regulations
Building regulations are separate from planning permission and ensure that construction work meets required standards for structural integrity, fire safety, ventilation, and energy efficiency. Most conservatories, orangeries and extensions require building regulations approval.
Our team has extensive experience with building regulations and handles all compliance requirements on your behalf. We ensure every aspect of your project—from foundations to thermal performance —meets or exceeds current standards, giving you complete peace of mind.
If you'd like to find out more about our T-shaped conservatories or if you have any questions, please get in touch. We'd be more than happy to discuss your options and our expert team can recommend the ideal choice to suit your design preferences.
Free ConsultationHome extensions help you get the most out of our living space, and can increase your property’s value. Our conservatories include traditional Victorian and Edwardian designs, as well as contemporary lean-to and gable styles, all available in timber, uPVC or aluminium.
Our luxury orangeries combine solid timber construction with glazing and stunning roof lanterns.
We also design ‘creative living spaces‘—bespoke projects, from single-storey extensions and garden rooms to home offices and unique designs. Using 3D CAD software, we help you visualise and refine every detail before construction begins.
We've answered some commonly asked questions to help you make an informed decision about your home improvement project. If you have any other questions, please get in touch!
Contact UsPlanning permission relates to whether you can build, focusing on the impact on neighbours and the surrounding area. Building regulations ensure your structure is safe, energy-efficient and meets construction standards. Even if you don’t need planning permission, building regulations always apply to conservatories and extensions.
Contact The Little Conservatory Company for expert guidance. Our experienced team understands local planning requirements throughout Gloucestershire and can clarify what applies to your property. We’ll assess your situation during a free consultation and handle the technical aspects, removing the confusion and ensuring compliance from the start.
Yes, but stricter rules apply. Listed buildings almost always require listed building consent in addition to planning permission. Conservation areas have reduced permitted development rights. Our team has extensive experience with heritage properties and can guide you through the additional requirements.
### What happens if I build without planning permission when it’s needed? Building without required planning permission is a breach of planning law. The local authority can issue an enforcement notice requiring you to alter or remove the structure, which can be costly and stressful. We ensure your project has all necessary approvals before construction begins.
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What should you expect now?
Call Back – Free No Obligation Quote & Initial Guidance
Consultation – Personalised 1-2-1 Expert Advice for Your Project
Installation – Transform Your Home with Ease Ongoing
Support – Help Whenever You Need It