Court ruling shows importance of bespoke conservatory planning permission

15:07:20 25th July 2008

A failure to follow planning permission guidelines on a bespoke conservatory has resulted in prosecution for a Lancaster couple.

Keen to erect an elegant conservatory on the rear of their Carnforth property, Roland and Jane Pearson failed to put in glazed, non-opening windows to the structure, a condition to the original planning application that was designed to ensure their neighbour's privacy.

Councillor Eileen Blamire, responsible for enforcement of planning conditions, told lancasterguardian.co.uk: "Compliance with planning conditions is not an 'optional extra' for developers and we will rigorously pursue those who fail to do so."

Bespoke conservatories are reclaiming their status as a symbol of elegance and sophistication. They can both increase the value of a property and add living space that effectively captures natural light.

It is vital to remember, though, that even small bespoke conservatories must be cleared with local authorities, and homeowners must ensure they satisfy planning permission guidelines during construction. Even minor height alterations and the use of different materials require authorisation before development begins.