Planning Permission in Pickering

Planning Permission in Pickering

Planning permission is a system where local authorities can authorise building works by granting permission for the proposed work. Garage conversions will typically not require planning permission, as long as the work is internal and you don't plan to expand the structure of your house. Garage conversions tend to be protected by permitted development rights, which protect a number of home improvement work. However, these rights have been taken away in some areas by local authorities, particularly in new builds, so it's always worth verifying with your local authority. If you're 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 must obtain a Party Wall Agreement. You must conform to all building regulations related to your garage conversion whether or not you need planning permission. These building regulations cover aspects of the conversion such as insulation, escape routes, fire proofing and ventilation, so it is usually a good idea to use an architect to draw up plans 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 considered 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.