Planning Permission in Fairford

Planning Permission in Fairford

Planning permission is a system whereby local authorities can agree to building works by giving permission for the planned work. Garage conversions will typically not require planning permission, so long as the work is internal and you do not plan to expand the structure of your home. Garage conversions are often covered under permitted development rights, which cover a number of home improvement work. However, these rights have been taken away in some areas by local authorities, usually in new builds, so it is always worth verifying with your local authority. If you are planning 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 neighbour, you will require a Party Wall Agreement. You must adhere to all building regulations related 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 usually a good idea to work with an architect to draft technical drawings and 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 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.