Quovadisuk

Hi all, just a quick question please, We did apply to see if we could build a brick conservatory over our existing patio, however it was indicated it would likely be refused as we had used our allocated garden area already, and therefore taking measurements from the previous existing building, meant this was the reason why permission would be refused. I then asked if we could have an aluminum conservatory, and again we were advised it would likely be refused. I happened to be at the home building and renovation exhibition at the NEC this week, and raised the situation when asked why were weren’t having a conservatory by one of the exhibitors. I explained our situation, but he was saying that if the roof of the proposal is classed as a canopy, and doesn’t actually adjoin the property ie the roof is supported by steel struts that are not connected to the house, then planning is not required as it is classed as a temporary building ? Is this correct ? Whilst it’s not our intention to flout any planning laws we do have an existing patio and a one metre high perimeter wall which we would love to utilize in inclement weather, and may well be a solution if the information given is correct. Planning has already stated we can have a retractable canopy ( which would ironically be fitted to the house), but I am not aware of the free standing canopy solution Any ideas and thoughts on this ? Kind regards

I was thinking the area around the old building in relation to the new build and then consider if the difference is less than 50%

Thank you for the reply . It was a response from the planning department , post pre application ie the outcome decision having made a pre application request. They refer to the original plan of the old building, the new build undertaken and referred me to your quote “ Conservatories including extensions must not exceed etc “ I am wondering as I do have a large frontage if indeed it does exceed 50%, but no doubt they have already checked this before replying

Hi all, Having built this house 18 years ago myself I was able to design exactly what I wanted, however 19 years later I decided to consider adding a small conservatory to the rear. Rather than cause any issues, I enquired with the council the ruling concerning conservatories as most searches indicate that planning permission is not now normally required. Knowing how “normally” can be so misinterpreted, I undertook a planning enquiry as to whether planning would need to be made or not . Having paid the fee, the response was that as I had already extended the property some 15 years ago , the boundary line of building permission would be taken from the old building at the time, therefore as I had extended the property I technically had used up the area of ground that could now be built on My issue is that where the proposed conservatory ( which was initially to be in brick, but could also be undertaken in Aluminium and glass) already has a tiled patio area with a fall to Acco drainage with a small retaining brick wall 1 metre high and pillars so in this instance the base has been in place for many years, so that it can never be used for agricultural gardening etc as it has been tiled to complete the patio area. When the reply came back from planning everything was positive ie, where it was , it didnt upset any neighbour areas or boundaries etc , but the recommendation would be a refusal as the proposal exceeded the building area of the original building that was there 15 years ago? I the asked if this could be undertaken in aluminium and glass, and again the likely outcome would be a refusal. Taking the matter further, I then asked about an awning and to their knowledge the awning didnt seem to be an issue . Whilst I could appeal against the refusal, it would mean a formal application being made with plans that would see a fair cost being out laid for a refusal which appears to already been concluded and no doubt lays on a file waiting for an appeal to be made. My question is that . With the patio already established as being an area that forms part of the garden design, to me by just allowing an awning to cover the patio is the same as having a roof or conservatory taking up the same volume area and roof area ? So for me it doesnt make sense for this to be refused . The size is 6 metres wide 2.5 depth, so no great shakes here. It may be a case I will just have to accept it, as being over 70, I just dont want the expense and hassle of fighting, for little outcome Thought I post this , as many people think that they can put up a conservatory without permission, which doesn’t seem the case in this instance . Although disappointed, I am glad I checked otherwise it could have caused me real problems had I gone ahead. Be interesting to see the views of others on this …Thanks for reading and kind regards

Now 70 plus , built my own dormer bungalow doing all groundwork’s and drainage myself . Had a bricklayer and a carpenter to help with the brickwork and hand built roof. Also installed the plumbing , underfloor and central heating, but had electrics and boiler installed by qualified technicians.