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Position
The position - or aspect- of your conservatory should always influence your final choice of design, layout and furnishings. Conservatories facing south receive more direct sunlight and a ssuch you might want to consider additional ventilation, blinds and even the use of a performance glass such as Celsius.
With north facing conservatories, these issues are less pressing. However, the use of glass as a glazing option to prevent heat loss and overheating is increasing in popularity whatever the location of a conservatory.
East facing conservatories catch the early morning sun and make ideal morning or breakfast rooms, wheras west facing rooms catch the evening sunset and are a perfect place to relax after a long day. |
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Planning Permission
If you live in England or Wales, you do not usually require planning permission for a new conservatory unless you live in a conservation area or a listed property.
If your property has been extened then you may require permission or if the property exceeds the "permitted development" limit of 50-70 cubic meteres.
It is also worth noting that occasionally "permitted development" rights may have been withdrawn from a property and any extension no matter how small will need permission.
Building Regulations
Again if you live in England and Wales, conservatories are usually exempt from building regulations. To qualify for this exemption, your conservatory should meet the following criteria.
- The roof comprises at least 75% of transucent material and the walls at least 50% translucent material.
- The floor area is less than 30m2
- The conservatory is sited at ground level.
- Attached to and thermally separated from the dwelling, but having a door giving access to it.
Building regulations in Scotland are different. Always check with your local authority.
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