Planning Permission in Chinnor

Planning Permission in Chinnor

Planning permission is a system where local authorities can agree to building works by giving permission for the planned work. Garage conversions will usually not need planning permission, so long as the work is internal and you do not plan to expand the structure of your property. Garage conversions tend to be protected by permitted development rights, which cover a number of home improvement work. However, these rights have been rescinded in certain areas by local authorities, usually in new builds, therefore it is always worth verifying with your local authority. If you are planning to undertake 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 neighbour, you will require a Party Wall Agreement. You are required to adhere to all building regulations pertaining 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 generally a good idea to work with an architect to draft technical drawings and approve designs in order to ensure compliance with these regulations. You'll 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 road. Nearly all planning permission applications in England are approved.