Planning Permission in Fife

Planning Permission in Fife

Planning permission is a system where local authorities can authorise building works by giving permission for the proposed work. Garage conversions will typically not require planning permission, as long as the work is internal and you do not intend to expand the structure of your property. Garage conversions tend to be protected by permitted development rights, which cover a variety of home improvement work. However, these rights have been removed in certain locations by councils, usually in new builds, so it is always worth checking with your local authority. If you're preparing to undertake a garage conversion on a listed building or live in a conservation area, you will need planning permission. In addition, if the walls of your garage are shared walls with a neighbour, you will need a Party Wall Agreement. You are required to abide by all building regulations pertaining to your garage conversion whether or not you need planning permission. These building regulations cover aspects of the conversion such as insulation, escape routes, fire proofing and ventilation, so it is generally a good idea to work with an architect to draft plans and 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 majority of planning permission applications in England are approved.