Planning Permission in Rossendale

Planning Permission in Rossendale

Planning permission is a system whereby local authorities can agree to building works by granting permission for the planned work. Garage conversions will mostly 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 often covered under permitted development rights, which protect a number of home improvement work. However, these rights have been taken away in a number of regions by local authorities, usually in new builds, so it is always worth checking with your local authority. If you are intending on undertaking a garage conversion on a listed building or live in a conservation area, you will require planning permission. Furthermore, if any of the walls of your garage are shared walls with a neighbour, you will require a Party Wall Agreement. You are required to comply with all building regulations relevant to your garage conversion whether or not you need planning permission. These building regulations cover parts of the conversion including insulation, escape routes, fire proofing and ventilation, so it is often a good idea to utilise an architect to draw up technical drawings and 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 considered from the start of the project, it is far less likely that there will be any trouble further down the line. The majority of planning permission applications in England are approved.