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What To Consider

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.

Property Type and Location

Listed buildings, conservation areas, and properties in Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty have stricter requirements for planning permission.

Size, Height and Boundaries

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.

Surrounding Area

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.

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TLCC have done a superb job on our new conservatory. All work completed to a very professional standard, they kept us well informed on progress and reliably turned up when...

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We had a new conservatory fitted to replace a derelict one. Very professional from the start and five star product. So pleased and would absolutely recommend.

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Happy to recommend the Little Conservatory Company who have just completed our replacement conservatory with solid, super insulated roof. The LCC installation team, Luke and Ritchie, were exemplary.

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Paul and his team have been absolutely brilliant with the work they completed. Punctual, professional and years of experience that just reassures you when you are trying to change and...

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Excellent from start to finish. We really feel we made the right choice with The Little Conservatory Company. We were always able to speak to someone in the office easily...

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I would definitely recommend Paul and his team. They have done beautiful work. They have changed my door, all my house windows including 2 patio doors and conservatory. Starting from...

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Planning Permission Guide

Explore the tabs to learn about various aspects of planning permission.
  • Permitted Development Rights
  • Conservation Areas
  • Building Regulations

Permitted Development Rights

What Are 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.

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black upvc conservatory french doors

Conservation Areas

How Conservation Areas Affect Planning Permission

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.

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hardwood orangery

Building Regulations

Building Regulations: Ensuring Safety and Performance

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.

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bespoke white conservatory
lean too conservatory
edwardian conservatory
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Let Us Guide You Through the Process

Planning permission can feel overwhelming with its various rules and restrictions — but it doesn’t have to be. At The Little Conservatory Company, we simplify the entire process for you.
Our experienced team assesses your property during the initial consultation, explains exactly what’s required, and identifies the best route forward for your project.
Rather than navigating confusing regulations alone, let our expertise work for you — so you can focus on designing your beautiful new conservatory, orangery or creative living space. Get in touch with any planning permission queries today.

Our Conservatories, Orangeries & Extensions

Home 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.

hardwood orangery
Cottage Orangery
A sleek, modern Hup! orangery extension with a flat roof and a large glass lantern. The walls are a smooth, light color with black light fixtures, and the large, black-framed windows offer a view into a living space furnished with a teal-colored sofa. The extension is attached to a traditional white house with a red tiled roof.
chartwell green orangery

Frequently Asked Questions

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!

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What's the difference between planning permission and building regulations?

Planning 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.

Who should I talk to if I'm confused about planning permission?

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.

Can I extend a listed building or property in a conservation area?

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?

### 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.

Do orangeries have different planning rules than conservatories?

Orangeries and conservatories are treated similarly under planning rules, though the definition can vary. What matters most is the structure’s size, height, materials and location rather than what you call it. We design both to meet permitted development criteria wherever possible.

What areas do you cover?

We serve Cheltenham, Cirencester, Stroud, Worcester, and throughout Gloucestershire and surrounding areas. If you’re unsure whether we cover your location, please get in touch—we’re often able to accommodate projects slightly further afield depending on the scope of work.

Get in touch with us today and transform your home

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