Planning Permission in Oakham

Planning Permission in Oakham

Planning permission is a system whereby local authorities can authorise building works by giving permission for the proposed work. Garage conversions will mostly not require planning permission, so long as the work is internal and you don't intend to enlarge the structure of the property. Garage conversions tend to be covered under permitted development rights, which cover a variety of home improvement work. However, these rights have been rescinded in certain regions by local authorities, especially in new builds, therefore it is always worth checking with your local authority. If you are considering undertaking a garage conversion on a listed building or live in a conservation area, you will need planning permission. Furthermore, if any of the walls of your garage are shared walls with a neighbour, you must obtain a Party Wall Agreement. You will still need to comply with 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 usually a good idea to utilise an architect to draft technical drawings and to 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 road. Nearly all planning permission applications in England are approved.