A Complete Guide To Building Rules And Regulations In Kent

Just like it is ahead of every summer, we have experienced a huge rise in the number of people wanting to extend space at their home with a conservatory or orangery.

All wannabe conservatory and orangery owners are given a thorough explanation of the entire process it takes to bring their chosen extension to life by one of our consultants and this conversation will always cover the topic of building regulations.

Ignorance of building rules and regulations could lead to all sorts of problems further down the line, with you even potentially being ordered to knock the structure down by your local authority. No-one wants that, especially us, and that’s we inform each and every customer of the current guidelines in place.

You’re in the clear so far as building regulations in Kent are concerned if the extension proposed to be built satisfies all of the following points:

• At ground level and not exceed 30m2 floor area.
• Glazed to satisfy the requirements of Approved Document K of Schedule 1.
• Physically separated internally from the building it is attached to, for example, by a door.
• Without sanitary appliances.
• Not intended for year round habitable use.
• Used to some extent for the propagation of plants.

Just to be on the safe side, it may be wise to get definitive clarification from your local authority. Ask them to send you an Exempt Buildings Form.

Supply all the details of the proposed extension as extensively as you can on this form and send it back to them. Once they have scrutinised the application and considered their verdict, they will write to you to inform you of their decision. If this written document grants you permission to go ahead with the extension, keep it in a safe place as it will need to be passed onto the next occupier of the house when selling.

Planning permission is NOT the same thing as building regulations

There is often confusion amongst some over building regulations and planning permission. Planning permission differs as it’s when a local authority grants you formal permission to construct or alter a building.

There is an instance where planning permission is automatically granted and that’s when the extension is classed as a ‘permitted development’; otherwise planning permission will need to be obtained first.

No-one knows building regulations and planning permission better than Eden

If you agree to the FREE no obligation quote we provide to you, we make all the hard work with regards planning permission, building regulations and everything else involved in buying a home extension easy.