Planning Permission in Rayleigh

Planning Permission in Rayleigh

Planning permission is a system whereby local authorities can authorise building works by granting permission for the planned work. Garage conversions will often not need planning permission, so long as the work is internal and you do not plan to enlarge the structure of your property. Garage conversions are usually covered under permitted development rights, which protect a number of home improvement work. However, these rights have been rescinded in a few regions by councils, particularly in new builds, therefore it is always worth verifying with your local authority. If you're considering undertaking a garage conversion on a listed building or live in a conservation area, you will need planning permission. Furthermore, if the walls of your garage are shared walls with a neighbour, you will need 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 including insulation, escape routes, fire proofing and ventilation, so it is usually a good idea to utilise an architect to draft technical drawings and 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 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.