Planning Permission in Edgware

Planning Permission in Edgware

Planning permission is a system whereby local authorities can agree to building works by giving permission for the planned work. Garage conversions will mostly not require planning permission, so long as the work is internal and you do not plan to enlarge the structure of your house. Garage conversions are often protected by permitted development rights, which cover a number of home improvement work. However, these rights have been removed in a number of areas by local authorities, usually in new builds, so it's always worth checking with your local authority. If you are intending to undertake a garage conversion on a listed building or live in a conservation area, you will require planning permission. Furthermore, if the walls of your garage are shared walls with a neighbouring property, you will need 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 like insulation, escape routes, fire proofing and ventilation, so it is often a good idea to work with 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 road. The vast majority of planning permission applications in England are approved.