Planning Permission in Lincolnshire

Planning Permission in Lincolnshire

Planning permission is a system where local authorities can agree to building works by giving permission for the planned work. Garage conversions will mostly not require planning permission, as long as the work is internal and you do not intend to expand the structure of your home. Garage conversions are usually covered under permitted development rights, which protect a number of home improvement work. However, these rights have been removed in certain regions by local authorities, usually in new builds, so 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 need planning permission. Furthermore, if the walls of your garage are shared walls with a neighbour, you must obtain a Party Wall Agreement. You must comply with all building regulations relevant to your garage conversion whether or not you need planning permission. These building regulations cover parts of the conversion like insulation, escape routes, fire proofing and ventilation, so it is generally a good idea to work with an architect to draw up plans and 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 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.