Planning Permission in Ballymoney

Planning Permission in Ballymoney

Planning permission is a system where local authorities can authorise building works by granting permission for the proposed work. Garage conversions will mostly not require planning permission, so long as the work is internal and you don't intend to enlarge the structure of the property. Garage conversions tend to be protected by permitted development rights, which protect a number of home improvement work. However, these rights have been removed in some regions by councils, especially in new builds, so it is always worth checking with your local authority. If you are intending on undertaking a garage conversion on a listed building or are in a conservation area, you will require planning permission. Furthermore, if the walls of your garage are shared walls with a neighbouring property, you will require a Party Wall Agreement. You must conform to all building regulations pertaining 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 usually a good idea to work with an architect to draft plans also to approve designs in order to ensure compliance with these regulations. You'll 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. Nearly all planning permission applications in England are approved.