Planning Permission in Poole

Planning Permission in Poole

Planning permission is a system whereby local authorities can authorise building works by granting permission for the proposed 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 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 removed in a number of areas by councils, especially in new builds, therefore it is always worth verifying with your local authority. If you are intending to undertake a garage conversion on a listed building or are in a conservation area, you will require planning permission. Furthermore, if the walls of your garage are shared walls with a neighbour, you must obtain a Party Wall Agreement. You are required to conform 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 usually a good idea to utilise an architect to draw up technical drawings also 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.