Conservatory v Extension

planning_officer

DevilsAdvocate1 wrote: »

To built a proper extension we had to have planning permission which we had not needed with the conservatory. However, this might have been because of the size of our extension.

Yes, it would have been to do with the size and not whether it was a conservatory/brick extension.

A conservatory IS an extension in planning terms - the legislation makes no distinction between a structure built of brick, glass or timber - they're all extensions and subject to the same planning criteria (if you want it to be permitted development, that is).

hethmar

If you want to add value to the house it would have to be the extension. What about a single storey extension but with a vaulted ceiling so your parents can have a number of velux windows in it?

Cheshire_HomeWorks

Have you considered looking into an Orangery? Its a great middle ground between a Conservatory or an Extension. It gives you all the glass and light you need without the challenges of being cold in the winter and too warm in the summer. In my experience Orangeries turn ordinary houses into stunning homes and they become the true heart of the home.

iamcornholio

The best option is not to get hung up on names.

Think what you want from the room, and then build it with however many windows/glass panels/walls/roof tiles/roof windows you want

Just remember that posh people have Orangeries, and the commoners have an extension with a Velux

ankspon

Never heard of an orangery

EllaKeat

hence my idea of a conservatory with a roof on!! What I actually meant, of course, is an orangery;)

If I already have a conservatory, can I just put a roof on it? Or would we be starting from scratch?
I already inherited a sauna in this house, if I add an orangery to the mix, my friends would start calling me Mrs Bucket:rotfl:

Johnhowell

We have our conservatory for nearly a year now, and yes it can be hot in summer and cold in winter, but turn on the Air Source Heat Pump for 10 minutes, then turned low, and it is most useable, with a great view across the garden and fields beyond.

Christmas day was wonderful for everyone as not cramped in to the living room as previously. The last couple of weeks has been a issue with hoover flies when the door is open - but once closed and they are hoovered up - no problems.

John

NuJon_2

Have you considered perhaps looking into garden rooms? Like a garden office or whatnot? There are a lot of options, and if you go with the right people, they don't even need maintaining for 10 years or so. Some friends of mine have one installed in their garden and use it to work form home. It's well insulated, keeps the sound out and didn't even require planning permission.

planning_officer

NuJon wrote: »

Have you considered perhaps looking into garden rooms? Like a garden office or whatnot? ... It's well insulated, keeps the sound out and didn't even require planning permission.

Although they can require planning permission, depending on size, location etc. Some authorities are strict too about interpreting the legislation regarding detached home offices. Whilst this is not normally the norm, some authorities do not regard them as ancillary structures, thereby not being permitted development, irrespective of their size. I've also seen a recent appeal decision that supports that view. Golden rule - always check with the local Council first as to whether they regard it as permitted development.

Owain_Moneysaver

EllaKeat wrote: »

Has anyone considered converting a conservatory into a garden room? I agree that conservatories are a waste of space for most of the year, but I am thinking about putting a proper roof on the conservatory, thus keeping it warmer in winter and cooler in summer? Or am I taking rubbish?

Conservatories must have a transparent or translucent roof. If you put a proper roof on it, it becomes a habitable room, and subject to full building regulations.