Criteria for an Extension

Criteria for an extension, used as a conservatory, being exempt from the Building Regulations - [Schedule 2, Exempt Buildings and Work, Class VII (a)]

Background

Over recent years the public perception of what can be termed a conservatory has changed. The Oxford Dictionary (1990) defines a conservatory as "a greenhouse for tender plants " and in particular "one attached to and communicating with a house". The Building Regulations, Approved Document L, Section 1 (1.42) states that a conservatory has not less than three quarters of the area of its roof and not less than one half of the area of its external walls made of translucent material Since conservatories became exempt under the 1985 Building Regulations manufacturers have exploited this exemption by promoting them for such uses as breakfast, dining and sitting rooms: effectively they are seen as an extension to living accommodation.

Policy

To be considered exempt, an extension to a building for use as a conservatory shall be:-

At ground level and not exceed 30m2 floor area.
Glazed to satisfy the requirements of Part N of Schedule 1.
Physically separated internally from the building it is attached to, e.g. by a door.
Without fixed heating or sanitary appliances.
Not intended for year round habitable use.
Used to some extent for the propagation of plants.

Note
All other extensions used as a conservatory are fully controlled under the Building Regulations, as are all conservatories erected in conjunction with a new build house.

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