Planning Permission in Ellesmere

Planning Permission in Ellesmere

Planning permission is a system whereby local authorities can agree to 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 do not plan to expand the structure of your property. Garage conversions are often protected by permitted development rights, which protect a variety of home improvement work. However, these rights have been taken away in some areas by councils, particularly in new builds, so it is always worth checking with your local authority. If you are preparing 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 neighbour, you will need a Party Wall Agreement. You will still need to conform to 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 generally a good idea to work with an architect to draft plans and also to approve designs in order to ensure compliance with these regulations. You will 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 far less likely that there will be any trouble further down the line. Nearly all planning permission applications in England are approved.