Planning Permission in Cwmbran

Planning Permission in Cwmbran

Planning permission is a system whereby local authorities can authorise building works by giving permission for the proposed work. Garage conversions will mostly not require planning permission, as long as the work is internal and you don't plan to expand the structure of the property. Garage conversions are usually covered under permitted development rights, which cover a number of home improvement work. However, these rights have been removed in a number of regions by local authorities, usually in new builds, so 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 require planning permission. Furthermore, if any of the walls of your garage are shared walls with a neighbouring property, you will need a Party Wall Agreement. You are required to abide by all building regulations corresponding 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 usually a good idea to use an architect to draw up technical drawings and 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 considered 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.