Planning Permission in Juniper Green

Planning Permission in Juniper Green

Planning permission is a system whereby local authorities can agree to building works by giving permission for the proposed work. Garage conversions will often not need planning permission, so long as the work is internal and you don't plan to expand the structure of your property. Garage conversions tend to be protected by permitted development rights, which protect a variety of home improvement work. However, these rights have been removed in certain locations by councils, usually in new builds, so it's always worth verifying with your local authority. If you are intending 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 neighbouring property, you will require a Party Wall Agreement. You will still need to conform to all building regulations relevant to your garage conversion whether or not you need planning permission. These building regulations cover elements of the conversion including insulation, escape routes, fire proofing and ventilation, so it is generally a good idea to work with an architect to draw up technical drawings 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 much less likely that there will be any trouble further down the line. Nearly all planning permission applications in England are approved.