Planning Permission in Dorset

Planning Permission in Dorset

Planning permission is a system where local authorities can consent to building works by granting permission for the planned work. Garage conversions will mostly not need planning permission, as long as the work is internal and you do not intend to enlarge the structure of your house. Garage conversions tend to be covered under permitted development rights, which cover a variety of home improvement work. However, these rights have been removed in certain locations by local authorities, 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 the walls of your garage are shared walls with a neighbour, you will need a Party Wall Agreement. You must abide by all building regulations relevant to your garage conversion whether or not you need planning permission. These building regulations cover elements 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 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 line. The vast majority of planning permission applications in England are approved.