Planning Permission in Bath

Planning Permission in Bath

Planning permission is a system where local authorities can authorise building works by giving permission for the proposed work. Garage conversions will usually not need planning permission, so long as the work is internal and you don't plan to expand the structure of your house. Garage conversions are often protected by permitted development rights, which cover a variety of home improvement work. However, these rights have been removed in some locations by local authorities, particularly in new builds, therefore it is always worth verifying with your local authority. If you are intending on undertaking a garage conversion on a listed building or live in a conservation area, you will need planning permission. In addition, if the walls of your garage are shared walls with a neighbour, you will require a Party Wall Agreement. You are required to comply with all building regulations relevant to your garage conversion whether or not you need planning permission. These building regulations cover parts of the conversion including insulation, escape routes, fire proofing and ventilation, so it is usually 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 taken into account 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.