Planning Permission in Oxford

Planning Permission in Oxford

Planning permission is a system whereby local authorities can agree to building works by granting permission for the proposed work. Garage conversions will mostly not require planning permission, so long as the work is internal and you don't plan to enlarge the structure of the property. Garage conversions are often covered under permitted development rights, which cover a variety of home improvement work. However, these rights have been removed in some areas by councils, particularly in new builds, therefore it is always worth verifying with your local authority. If you are considering undertaking a garage conversion on a listed building or are in a conservation area, you will need planning permission. In addition, if any of the walls of your garage are shared walls with a neighbouring property, you will require a Party Wall Agreement. You must adhere to all building regulations corresponding 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 generally a good idea to work with an architect to draft plans 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 far less likely that there will be any trouble further down the line. The vast majority of planning permission applications in England are approved.