Planning Permission in Carshalton

Planning Permission in Carshalton

Planning permission is a system whereby local authorities can consent to building works by giving permission for the proposed work. Garage conversions will mostly not need planning permission, as long as the work is internal and you don't intend to expand the structure of your property. Garage conversions are often covered under permitted development rights, which protect a variety of home improvement work. However, these rights have been rescinded in some locations by local authorities, especially in new builds, so it is always worth verifying with your local authority.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 need planning permission. Furthermore, if any of the walls of your garage are shared walls with a neighbour, you will require 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 aspects of the conversion such as insulation, escape routes, fire proofing and ventilation, so it is often a good idea to utilise an architect to draft plans and 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 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.