Planning Permission in Colchester

Planning Permission in Colchester

Planning permission is a system whereby local authorities can authorise building works by granting permission for the planned work. Garage conversions will mostly not require planning permission, so long as the work is internal and you don't intend to expand the structure of your property. Garage conversions are often protected by permitted development rights, which cover a variety of home improvement work. However, these rights have been rescinded in a number of locations by local authorities, usually in new builds, so it is always worth checking with your local authority. If you're intending on undertaking a garage conversion on a listed building or are in a conservation area, you will require planning permission. In addition, if any of the walls of your garage are shared walls with a neighbouring property, you will require a Party Wall Agreement. You will still need to comply with all building regulations related to your garage conversion whether or not you need planning permission. These building regulations cover elements of the conversion including insulation, escape routes, fire proofing and ventilation, so it is often a good idea to utilise an architect to draft technical drawings also to 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 considered from the start of the project, it is far less likely that there will be any trouble further down the road. The majority of planning permission applications in England are approved.