Planning Permission in Alston

Planning Permission in Alston

Planning permission is a system whereby local authorities can authorise building works by granting permission for the planned work. Garage conversions will usually not need planning permission, as long as the work is internal and you do not plan to enlarge the structure of your home. Garage conversions are often covered under permitted development rights, which cover a number of home improvement work. However, these rights have been rescinded in a few locations by councils, usually in new builds, so it's always worth checking with your local authority. If you are considering undertaking a garage conversion on a listed building or are in a conservation area, you will need planning permission. Furthermore, if any of the walls of your garage are shared walls with a neighbouring property, you must obtain a Party Wall Agreement. You are required to conform to all building regulations pertaining to your garage conversion whether or not you need planning permission. These building regulations cover parts of the conversion like insulation, escape routes, fire proofing and ventilation, so it is generally a good idea to use an architect to draw up technical drawings also to approve designs in order to ensure compliance with these regulations. You will likely still need to submit plans detailing the change of use of the garage to your local authority. If planning permission is considered from the start of the project, it is much less likely that there will be any trouble further down the road. The majority of planning permission applications in England are approved.