Generally, planning permission for a conservatory is not required, provided you don’t exceed the permitted development limit for your property (usually 50-70 cubic metres). For example, if your property has been extended in the past, you may already have exceeded this limit, or at least may not have any of it remaining with which to build a conservatory. Also, some homes will have had their 'permitted development' rights withdrawn, and so any extension, no matter how small, will require planning permission. If you are unsure whether or not your conservatory will be within these guidelines, you should contact your local council planning department.

Additionally, your new conservatory will be exempt from building regulations if it meets the following criteria:

1. The conservatory has a completely transparent or translucent roof (i.e. it lets light in).
2. The extension walls are substantially glazed, with no more than 25% being made up of brickwork.
3. The floor area of your conservatory is no more than 30 square metres.
4. The conservatory is sited at ground level.
5. The extension is separated from the remainder of the house by way of a permanent door.
6. The glazing is manufactured of toughened safety glass.
7. The extension contains no drainage facilities, such as sinks, a WC or a washing machine.
8. The conservatory is not permanently heated. Any radiators situated in the conservatory must be capable of being independently turned on and off.

Do not confuse building regulations with planning permission. They are totally separate, and in some cases may require approval by both, while in others may only require the approval of one or the other.

Building Regulations must be complied with when making structural changes to buildings, and so generally your conservatory will be exempt (subject to following the guidelines above). Should your conservatory need to attain building regulation approval, you will need insulated glass units of the highest quality, such as Pilkington K Glass, with a high argon content