Planning Permission in Rowlands Gill

Planning Permission in Rowlands Gill

Planning permission is a system where local authorities can consent to building works by granting permission for the proposed work. Garage conversions will typically not require planning permission, so long as the work is internal and you do not intend to expand the structure of your home. Garage conversions are often covered under permitted development rights, which protect a variety of home improvement work. However, these rights have been rescinded in certain regions by local authorities, especially in new builds, so it is always worth verifying with your local authority.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 any of the walls of your garage are shared walls with a neighbour, you will need a Party Wall Agreement. You must abide by all building regulations corresponding to your garage conversion whether or not you need planning permission. These building regulations cover elements of the conversion like insulation, escape routes, fire proofing and ventilation, so it is usually a good idea to utilise an architect to draw up plans also to approve designs in order to ensure compliance with these regulations. You'll 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 road. Nearly all planning permission applications in England are approved.