Planning Permission in Macclesfield

Planning Permission in Macclesfield

Planning permission is a system where local authorities can agree to building works by giving permission for the proposed work. Garage conversions will mostly not require planning permission, as long as the work is internal and you don't intend to enlarge the structure of your house. Garage conversions tend to be covered under permitted development rights, which protect a number of home improvement work. However, these rights have been removed in a number of regions by local authorities, particularly in new builds, so it is always worth verifying with your local authority. If you're thinking about undertaking 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 require a Party Wall Agreement. You will still need to comply with 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 usually a good idea to use an architect to draw up technical drawings and also to approve designs in order to ensure compliance with these regulations. You'll 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 road. The vast majority of planning permission applications in England are approved.