ULTRAFRAME ULTRAROOF
We supply and install "Ultraframe" roof products.
These roof systems perfectly combine, to compliment our "Rehau" windows and door base units, to make the ultimate conservatory or garden room.
There are many cheap imitators of "Ultraframe", who are the "original" manufacturers/designers of all conservatory roof system. But we feel using them is a false economy.
Whether you are planning a new conservatory, your old one just needs a revamp, or you are planning a new garden room/office. "Ultraframe" & "Rehau" are the perfect match and are industry stand out names for quality.
Base Fixed Option
Soffit Fascia & Gutter
They also come in a choice of slider and headrail colours.
Face Fixed Option
Between glass blinds
Ultrasky Rooflight
90 Degree (Escape)
Conservation Velux
These blinds come in a range of slats colours choices to compliment your frame colour choices, or home furnishing colours.
Frameless Rooflight
Ultrasky Flat Rooflight
CONSERVATORY GALLERY
Magnetic operation guide
ULTRAFRAME CLASSIC ROOF
Available in glass & polycarbonate glazing options
Do you need planning permission for a conservatory? A helpful guide. 13th November 2019
Building a conservatory is one of the best ways to add extra room (and value) to your home.
At Countycare, we know the issue of conservatories and planning permission can be an area which confuses people.
Thankfully, an update to UK planning laws was made by the Government in May 2019 to make the whole process much easier to understand.
The information provided in this guide WILL help you understand what you can and cannot do without Planning Permission.
For specific help, contact your Local Planning Authority and seek independent advice.
Planning permission for conservatories explained.
To build on, or modify, the use of land or buildings in the UK you are required by law to obtain Planning Permission.
Planning Permission is meant to take into consideration the visual and aesthetic effect of a new building or extension on the existing homes in the surrounding area.
It is often confused with Building Regulations - full details of which are outlined later in this guide.
You CAN build certain types of structure WITHOUT applying for Planning Permission because of ‘permitted development rights’ which are granted by Parliament. Some conservatories and single- storey extensions fall into this category.
At Countycare we always recommend checking whether you need planning permission for your conservatory before the construction process begins. We hope this gives you complete peace of mind before a penny has been spent.
Do conservatories need planning permission?
Whether a conservatory needs Planning Permission or not depends entirely on your project’s specifications.
In most cases, planning permission is NOT necessary for a conservatory because adding one to your home is usually allowed under ‘permitted development’ rules – but this is subject to certain conditions.
On 25 May 2019, the Government officially relaxed its permitted conservatory development rights to allow homeowners in England to build larger extensions WITHOUT planning permission.
UK law now states: -
Terraced and semi-detached homes CAN make additions up to 6m WITHOUT planning permission.
Detached houses CAN now add large structures up to 8m WITHOUT planning permission.
Rather than apply for Planning Permission, you will need to ensure your conservatory doesn’t negatively impact on the living space of your neighbours.
Neighbours WILL still be consulted and can raise objections to extensions under the ‘Neighbour Consultation Scheme’
You CAN build a conservatory or single-storey extension without planning permission if:
It is a maximum height of 4m high or 3m high (if within 2m of a boundary).
The conservatory does not cover more than half the garden.
The roof ridge or top point is not higher than the eaves of a property’s roof.
Side extensions do not extend beyond half the width of the house.
What’s the official Government stance on extending your home?
According to the UK Government planning authority, an extension (such as a conservatory) can be built under ‘permitted development’ if:
No more than half the area of land around the original house* would be covered by additions or other buildings.
Extensions of more than one storey must not extend beyond the rear wall of the original house* by more than 3m or be within 7m of any boundary opposite the rear wall of the house.
A single-storey rear extension does NOT extend beyond the rear wall of the original house* by more than 8m if a detached house or 6m if an attached house.
No extension is further forward than the principal elevation or side elevation which fronts a highway.
No extension is higher than the highest part of the roof of the original house*.
The maximum height of the single-storey rear extension is 4m.
The maximum height for the eaves of an extension must be within 2m of the boundary of 3m.
The maximum eaves and ridge height of an extension must be no higher than existing house.
A side extension is single storey and a maximum height of 4m and width no more than half that of the original house*
The roof pitch of an extension higher than one storey matches the existing house.
There are no verandas, balconies or raised platforms.
On designated land* permitted development is not allowed for rear extensions of more than one storey. They also cannot have any exterior cladding or side extensions.
*According to the Planning Authorities, the term ‘original house’ means the property as it was first built or as it stood on 1 July 1948 - if it was built before that date. Even if you have not built an extension to the house, you may need to check in case a previous owner has done so.
The term ‘designated land’ includes National Parks and the Broads, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, conservation areas and World Heritage Sites.
Why were the changes brought in?
According to the Government, the law has been altered so that families in England can grow without being forced to move.
It is hoped that these measures will help people to extend their homes without battling through time-consuming red tape and regulations.
Before May 2013, planning restrictions only allowed detached houses to have a single storey extension of no greater than 4m and for all non-detached properties this was a maximum of 3m.
For a detached house the maximum you can NOW extend is 8 metres. For terraced or semi-detached property, you can increase up to 6 metres.
How do the new rules work?
Rather than waiting what could be months for approval, homeowners WILL now notify the council of any building work beforehand. It is then up to council officials to inform the neighbours. At Countycare we always recommend doing this anyway if you have a good relationship.
If your neighbours raise any concerns, the council MUST decide if the extension is likely to harm the character or enjoyment of the area. If they think this is the case, the council may block the plans or ask for them to be amended.
Protections Remain in place:
If your property is in a place of special scientific interest or a protected area – such as a conservation area, National Park, World Heritage Site or Area of Outstanding National Beauty (AONB) – the 2019 law changes DON’T apply.
The removal of ‘permitted development’ rights:
Be warned, some properties are built with their ‘permitted development’ rights removed. If this is the case, you WILL need Planning Permission to build any kind of extension or conservatory.
Planning Permission for flats and maisonettes:
It’s interesting to note the ‘permitted development’ allowances described above do not apply to flats or maisonettes – they WILL still need to obtain full planning permission.
Planning Permission for homes in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland: In Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, different planning rules apply.
Rear extensions of more than 3m or 4m long WILL continue to require a full planning application.
No VAT on new-build conservatories:
If your house is a ‘new build’ check with the developer whether the property has had a restriction placed on it. If not, and your new home is still to be completed, you could legitimately avoid paying VAT on a conservatory because of a HMRC exemption.
Building regulations for conservatories explained
Building Regulations are a set of standards that govern the construction industry in relation to the health and safety of a building and its users. They define how a structure must be built in terms of its thermal efficiency and environmental impact.
If you want to add a conservatory to your home, you may require Building Regulations.
A conservatory IS EXEMPT from building regulations when.
The floor area of that extension does not exceed 30m2, provided that in the case of a conservatory or porch which is wholly or partly glazed.
It has an independent heating system – not attached to central heating.
Built only at ground level.
A thermal barrier to separate dwelling and conservatory (for example a window/door).
Building Regulations for open-plan conservatories
The Building Regulations for an open-plan conservatory are different.
Removing any exterior doors or walls between your house and conservatory WILL require building regulations approval.
To gain this, you must prove that any new structural opening does not result in your conservatory (or the rest of the house) being less energy efficient.
In circumstances where an application is necessary, you will be required to submit full structural, working drawings and heat-loss calculations to building control. They will then assess the installation and decide whether to give their approval.
Other things to consider when planning a conservatory
Water board authority approval
If you intend to build on or within three metres of a public sewer, you must get permission from the regional water board authority, but this is normally a formality.
Once your conservatory installation is complete, a local building control officer will inspect it to ensure no damage has been done to the sewer.
Listed buildings and conservation areas
Listed buildings or properties which lie in a conservation area must comply with strict rules which restrict the work which can be done to the exterior of a property without getting planning permission first. The main issue with these houses is that any alteration, such as a new conservatory, must be in-keeping with the property.
Restrictive covenants
Some properties are built with restrictive covenants on them, a private agreement in the title deeds which outlines ways in which they may and may not be used or developed.
If this is the case, you may be able to add a conservatory to your home if the design is sympathetic to the property's overall appearance and if you abide by certain permitted development guidelines.
Party wall approval.
In England and Wales, obtaining a ‘party wall agreement’ can sometimes be necessary before building a new conservatory. This is usually required when you intend to excavate near to a neighbouring property to lay foundations.
Before making any changes on or near a boundary that separates two properties, you must notify your neighbour in writing at least 2 months in advance regarding the construction.
Design your conservatory with confidence
Taking the decision to extend your home is a big commitment.
It often requires a lot of research before deciding to make the financial investment.
Even after weighing up all the options, you may not be able to begin work without gaining approval. This is because you must abide by the various building regulations and planning permission for conservatories that are currently in place.
If you want to extend your home, we are proud to be a local highly recommended conservatory installer – and we’re very experienced in this area.
Whether your new conservatory needs planning permission or not depends entirely on your specifications.
But failing to make the appropriate checks could prove to be an expensive mistake - because local authorities possess the power to demolish structures which are built illegally.
These notes are for guidance only and correct at time of posting. Countycare will not accept any liability for the content of this post, we always recommend checking whether you need planning permission for your conservatory, with the relevant council, before the construction process begins.
We supply & fit genuine Velux products only.
Whether you are replacing an existing unit or planning to install a new one, we offer a complete service.
With Velux, you have a variety of, sizes, finishes & operations, in the product range.
Velux come in a pine, painted white or polyurethane interior finish.
They can be in a centre pivot or a 90 degree (escape) operation.
These Velux can come in a manual or solar powered option.
When choosing the solar option, by the simple addition an "active pack", you can operate it by use of your phone. This versatile rooflight will also open automatically to let excess C02 escape and will also close automatically when it rains.
Velux also offer a conservation option for period properties. This option is now generally accepted by conservation officers.
Velux come with a large range of bespoke blackout blinds etc., made to fit each rooflight specifically.
Optional Handrail
ULTRFRAME GARDEN ROOMS
VELUX ROOLIGHTS
Centre Pivot
Between glass blinds are a welcome additions to all our windows & doors. These slimline venetian blinds are actually fitted inside the sealed unit themselves and as such, are hermetically sealed and never need cleaning. They are also cordless, operated by sliding magnets, so there are no need unsightly operating systems.
Please note that between glass blinds are not compatible windows & doors fitted with Georgian Bars
Glass Balustrades
Why not make your home even more maintenance free by replacing your roofline systems in Upvc, We offer a complete replacement service. Our facias are available in white, black, rosewood, oak, cream, anthracite & agate grey. Gutter is available in black, white brown & grey.
Call or e-mail us for further details.
Roof Systems, Garden Rooms & Conservatories
We supply and fit frameless glass balustrades.
These hi-tech, stylish, sleek safety screens, provide a cost effective solution to your safety barrier requirements and are fully compliant with current building regulations.
This system also offers a stainless steel handrail option should you require one.
Just call 01579 349500 or 07889 014492
or email countycarewindows@btinternet.com to find out more.