Conservatories, porches and greenhouses

Not all buildings and extensions are subject to the Building Regulations. Amongst the works that are exempt from the Building Regulations are:

• conservatories
• porches
• greenhouses

Conservatories and porches

All conservatories and porches are exempt from the regulations provided:

• they are built at ground level
• they are single storey
• they have a floor area less than 30m2
• the are thermally separated from the dwelling
• the glazing complies with Part N of the Regulations, i.e. protection against impact.
  

Please note: Part N requires glazing with which people might collide to be suitable in limiting the risk of injury.

Glazing should:

• break safely
• be robust or in small panes, or
• be permanently protected.

Conservatory Checklist

• L x W is less than 30m2?
• Suitable critical location glazing?
• Transluscent roof?
• You have checked that A (roof) and B (second floor) are not designated escape windows?
• All answer yes? = Exempt

Your local Building Control service will be able to advise on what materials are suitable.
These exemptions mean that an application need not be made to Building Control for the work.
However, the owner / builder must ensure that the erection of the conservatory or porch does not cause any danger to health and safety and their positioning must not affect the fire safety precautions of the existing house by jeopardising an escape window.

Greenhouses

Greenhouses, irrespective of their size are exempt from the Building Regulations. This exemption does not apply to greenhouses used for retailing, packaging or exhibiting.
However, the erection of the greenhouse must not cause a new or greater contravention of the Building Regulations.