Planning Permission in Cornwall

Planning Permission in Cornwall

Planning permission is a system whereby local authorities can authorise building works by giving permission for the planned work. Garage conversions will mostly not need planning permission, as long as the work is internal and you do not plan to enlarge the structure of the property. Garage conversions are often covered under permitted development rights, which protect a number of home improvement work. However, these rights have been rescinded in certain locations by councils, usually in new builds, so it's always worth verifying with your local authority. If you are thinking about undertaking a garage conversion on a listed building or are in a conservation area, you will require planning permission. Furthermore, if any of the walls of your garage are shared walls with a neighbour, you must obtain a Party Wall Agreement. You must adhere to all building regulations related to your garage conversion whether or not you need planning permission. These building regulations cover parts of the conversion like 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 line. Nearly all planning permission applications in England are approved.