Planning Permission in Atherstone

Planning Permission in Atherstone

Planning permission is a system where local authorities can consent to building works by giving permission for the planned work. Garage conversions will often not require planning permission, as long as the work is internal and you don't plan to expand the structure of your home. Garage conversions tend to be protected by permitted development rights, which cover a variety of home improvement work. However, these rights have been taken away in a number of locations by councils, especially in new builds, so it is always worth verifying with your local authority. If you are thinking about undertaking a garage conversion on a listed building or are in a conservation area, you will need planning permission. In addition, if the walls of your garage are shared walls with a neighbouring property, you will need a Party Wall Agreement. You are required to comply with all building regulations corresponding to your garage conversion whether or not you need planning permission. These building regulations cover elements of the conversion like insulation, escape routes, fire proofing and ventilation, so it is generally a good idea to utilise an architect to draft plans also to approve designs in order to ensure compliance with these regulations. You will likely still need to submit plans describing the change of use of the garage to your local authority. If planning permission is taken into account from the start of the project, it is much less likely that there will be any trouble further down the line. The majority of planning permission applications in England are approved.