Planning Permission in Grays

Planning Permission in Grays

Planning permission is a system where local authorities can agree to building works by granting permission for the proposed work. Garage conversions will mostly not require planning permission, as long as the work is internal and you don't intend to expand the structure of your house. Garage conversions tend to be protected by permitted development rights, which cover a number of home improvement work. However, these rights have been removed in a few locations by councils, particularly in new builds, so it's always worth verifying with your local authority. If you're thinking about undertaking a garage conversion on a listed building or live in a conservation area, you will require planning permission. In addition, if any of the walls of your garage are shared walls with a neighbouring property, you must obtain a Party Wall Agreement. You will still need to comply with all building regulations corresponding 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 often a good idea to work with an architect to draw up technical drawings and 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 far less likely that there will be any trouble further down the road. The majority of planning permission applications in England are approved.