Planning Permission in Dagenham

Planning Permission in Dagenham

Planning permission is a system whereby local authorities can consent to building works by giving permission for the proposed work. Garage conversions will typically not require planning permission, as long as the work is internal and you do not intend to expand the structure of your house. Garage conversions are often protected by permitted development rights, which protect a number of home improvement work. However, these rights have been removed in certain locations by local authorities, particularly in new builds, so it is always worth checking with your local authority. If you're intending to undertake a garage conversion on a listed building or are in a conservation area, you will need 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 abide by all building regulations related to your garage conversion whether or not you need planning permission. These building regulations cover elements of the conversion such as insulation, escape routes, fire proofing and ventilation, so it is generally a good idea to utilise an architect to draft plans 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 considered from the start of the project, it is much less likely that there will be any trouble further down the road. The vast majority of planning permission applications in England are approved.