Planning Permission in Darwen

Planning Permission in Darwen

Planning permission is a system where local authorities can authorise building works by granting permission for the proposed work. Garage conversions will typically not require planning permission, as long as the work is internal and you don't plan to enlarge the structure of the property. Garage conversions tend to be protected by permitted development rights, which cover a number of home improvement work. However, these rights have been taken away in a few locations by local authorities, usually in new builds, so it's always worth verifying with your local authority. If you are intending to undertake 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 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 including insulation, escape routes, fire proofing and ventilation, so it is generally 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 taken into account from the start of the project, it is much less likely that there will be any trouble further down the line. Nearly all planning permission applications in England are approved.