Do you need planning permission to change your conservatory roof?

Because of the changes that were made to planning regulations back in 2010, it is only in very rare cases that planning permission is required to change a conservatory roof. But if you’re changing from a glass or polycarbonate roof to a tiled roof, for example, a survey will be carried out and it may be necessary for you to comply with Building Regulations.

This survey will determine whether or not your existing conservatory structure is able to support the new roof. If it isn’t, the frames might need to be reinforced, the windows and doors might need to be replaced or you might need a whole new structure.

Building Regulations for conservatories

In order to be exempt from Building Regulations, conservatories must:

• be at ground level and have a floor area less than 30m^²
• be thermally separated from the dwelling by walls, windows or doors which meet the energy efficiency requirements
• Have its own heating system that is independent of the existing property

How much of a conservatory needs to be glass?

Building Regulations were changed back in 2010 to remove the guidance on the definition of a conservatory. After this, there is no definition for the amount of glazing that is required for the structure to be classed as a conservatory. This paved the way for tiled conservatory roofs to be retrofitted to many of the existing structures.

However, some local councils still appear to be operating under the idea that 75% of a conservatory’s roof needs to be glazed or it will become subject to Building Regulations.

LABC guidance on roof replacement

In their guidance on adding solid roofs to conservatories or porches, LABC, a provider of local building control services in England & Wales, also highlights that if work is carried out on a conservatory that significantly reduces the amount of glazing or how translucent the roof is, a conservatory can no longer be considered exempt from Building Regulations.

Therefore, if you’re looking to change to a solid conservatory roof, be sure to use a company who can provide you with proof of its compliance with the relevant Building Regulations. Both our Ultraroof and Supalite tiled roofs have JHAI approval, another provider of local building control, which means we provide a certificate that demonstrates their compliance with building regs whenever we install one.

Is changing my conservatory roof considered a ‘change of use’?

Replacing a glass or polycarbonate roof with a tiled one means changing the classification of a conservatory from a temporary to a permanent structure, which is classed as a ‘change of use’. Changes of use do sometimes require planning permission so be sure to check with your local authority prior to any work beginning.

For further information, please check out our planning permission for conservatories guide.

Tiled and glass conservatory roof replacements from T&K

Replacing your conservatory roof is a great way to turn an underperforming conservatory into a thermally-efficient space, eliminating issues like overheating on warm days and freezing during colder ones. When changing your roof, T&K will also ensure for full compliance with the relevant regulations and permissions. For a free, no-obligation quote, give us a call on 0800 622 716 or contact us online.