Planning Permission in Newtownards

Planning Permission in Newtownards

Planning permission is a system where local authorities can authorise building works by giving permission for the planned work. Garage conversions will typically not need planning permission, so long as the work is internal and you don't intend to expand the structure of your house. Garage conversions tend to be protected by permitted development rights, which protect a variety of home improvement work. However, these rights have been rescinded in a few regions by local authorities, especially in new builds, so it's always worth checking with your local authority. If you're planning to undertake a garage conversion on a listed building or are in a conservation area, you will require planning permission. In addition, if any of the walls of your garage are shared walls with a neighbour, you will require a Party Wall Agreement. You are required to conform to all building regulations relevant 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 generally a good idea to work with an architect to draft plans and to approve designs in order to ensure compliance with these regulations. You'll 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 much less likely that there will be any trouble further down the road. The majority of planning permission applications in England are approved.