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Planning Permission - A Cautionary Tale!

05 July 2009

Conservatories make a lovely and versatile addition to all sorts of house, from a humble terrace to a star's mansion, and Sir Cliff Richard thought this stylish Victorian model would put the perfect finishing touch on his new home. But poor Sir Cliff has been ordered to demolish it after planners said it was put up without planning permission!

Sir Cliff could face legal action if he fails to comply with the enforcement notice issued by Runnymede Borough Council. The17ft by 13ft (5200mm x 400mm) structure costing £30000 at was put up three years ago at his £1.3 million mansion in Virginia Water, Surrey.

The Council's decision was made after a property agent working for Sir Cliff applied for retrospective planning permission for the Victorian-style structure. Representing Sir Cliff at the meeting was his property agent who explained that when buying the conservatory, Sir Cliff had been told by the manufacturers that it didn't require planning permission.

If only Sir Cliff had come to Centurion we could have given him some much more honest, sensible help and advice than he seems to have received from his suppliers.

We will offer you all the advice we can regarding Planning Permission and Building Regulations. Under changes made to the Planning system in October 2008 most conservatories are exempt from Planning requirements, and we are always happy to explain the new regulations and discuss your situation. If in any doubt we recommend that you ask your local Planning Authority for advice before starting work, apply for permission if required and comply with any changes requested by the Planners. We can even arrange scale drawings to help with your application.

And Sir Cliff's conservatory cost an eye-watering £30000! We can design you an equally beautiful Victorian conservatory just like his (or Edwardian, Gable, lean-to or bespoke model) at a fraction of the cost!

For no-obligation professional advice and quotations call us on 0800 389 7261.