Planning Permission in Lossiemouth

Planning Permission in Lossiemouth

Planning permission is a system where local authorities can authorise building works by giving permission for the planned work. Garage conversions will mostly not need planning permission, so long as the work is internal and you don't intend to enlarge the structure of your home. Garage conversions tend to be covered under permitted development rights, which protect a variety of home improvement work. However, these rights have been rescinded in a number of areas by local authorities, especially in new builds, so it's always worth checking with your local authority. If you're considering undertaking 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 will need 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 utilise 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 far less likely that there will be any trouble further down the road. The majority of planning permission applications in England are approved.