Planning Permission in Midlothian

Planning Permission in Midlothian

Planning permission is a system where local authorities can authorise building works by granting permission for the planned work. Garage conversions will usually not require planning permission, as long as the work is internal and you don't plan to enlarge the structure of your property. Garage conversions are usually protected by permitted development rights, which protect a variety of home improvement work. However, these rights have been taken away in a few locations by councils, usually in new builds, therefore it is always worth verifying with your local authority. If you are preparing to undertake a garage conversion on a listed building or are 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 elements of the conversion including insulation, escape routes, fire proofing and ventilation, so it is often a good idea to work with an architect to draft technical drawings 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 far less likely that there will be any trouble further down the road. Nearly all planning permission applications in England are approved.