Planning Permission in Highland

Planning Permission in Highland

Planning permission is a system whereby local authorities can authorise building works by granting permission for the proposed work. Garage conversions will often not require planning permission, as long as the work is internal and you don't intend to enlarge the structure of your property. Garage conversions tend to be protected by permitted development rights, which cover a number of home improvement work. However, these rights have been rescinded in a number of areas by councils, usually in new builds, therefore it is always worth checking with your local authority. If you're intending to undertake a garage conversion on a listed building or live in a conservation area, you will require 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 conform to all building regulations related to your garage conversion whether or not you need planning permission. These building regulations cover aspects of the conversion including insulation, escape routes, fire proofing and ventilation, so it is often a good idea to utilise an architect to draw up technical drawings and to approve designs in order to ensure compliance with these regulations. You will likely still need to submit plans detailing the change of use of the garage to your local authority. If planning permission is considered from the start of the project, it is far less likely that there will be any trouble further down the road. The vast majority of planning permission applications in England are approved.