Conservatory renovation

Jacksmum23

Hi after some building/planning advice please.  We moved into our house in 2021. Existing 3.5m x 3.5m conservatory made up of polycarbonate roof and upvc windows.  Many of the seals on the windows have blown, one has been broken by next door kicking at football at it.  Its freezing in Winter and like an oven in the summer i.e. un-useable.  We want to renovate what is there on existing footings with new double glazing, replace one side with a timber insulated wall and lightweight roof plastic tiles. We will keep the segregation from the house (i.e. not an extension) with high quality bi-fold doors.  All the local building control office seem to be bothered by is getting as much money as they can out of it.  We have asked for advice whether we need to apply for any permissions to do this and they want us to pay for a 'pre-advice application visit' £76.00, then submit an application, full plans inspection, buildng notice charge, blah, blah, blah.  We are to do the work as cost-effectively as possible. Can anyone advise please? 

grumbler

AFAIK, you don't need any permission or control if you keep the external-grade door. 

Jacksmum23

Thank you for taking the time to reply.  There will be one set of bi-folds between the house and the convservatory and another set of french doors between the conservatory leading to the garden both will be external grade.  Both sets will be new as the old ones are not fit for purpose.  Does your advice still apply?

grumbler

What matters, is the door between the house and the conservatory. The conservatory can have any door or no door at all.

ThisIsWeird

Jacksmum23 said:

Thank you for taking the time to reply.  There will be one set of bi-folds between the house and the convservatory and another set of french doors between the conservatory leading to the garden both will be external grade.  Both sets will be new as the old ones are not fit for purpose.  Does your advice still apply?

As long as the new bi-fold is Fensa'd or similar.