Planning Permission in Kettering

Planning Permission in Kettering

Planning permission is a system whereby local authorities can consent to building works by granting permission for the planned work. Garage conversions will mostly not need planning permission, so long as the work is internal and you do not intend to expand the structure of your house. Garage conversions are usually covered under permitted development rights, which cover a number of home improvement work. However, these rights have been rescinded in a number of regions by councils, especially in new builds, so it's always worth verifying with your local authority. If you are considering 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 will require a Party Wall Agreement. You must abide by all building regulations corresponding to your garage conversion whether or not you need planning permission. These building regulations cover aspects of the conversion like insulation, escape routes, fire proofing and ventilation, so it is often a good idea to work with an architect to draft plans and 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 far less likely that there will be any trouble further down the line. The vast majority of planning permission applications in England are approved.