Planning Permission in Southall

Planning Permission in Southall

Planning permission is a system whereby local authorities can authorise building works by granting permission for the planned work. Garage conversions will typically not require planning permission, as long as the work is internal and you do not plan to expand the structure of the property. 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 a few locations by councils, particularly in new builds, so it is always worth verifying with your local authority. If you're thinking about undertaking a garage conversion on a listed building or live in a conservation area, you will need planning permission. In addition, if the walls of your garage are shared walls with a neighbouring property, you will require a Party Wall Agreement. You must comply with all building regulations corresponding to your garage conversion whether or not you need planning permission. These building regulations cover aspects of the conversion like insulation, escape routes, fire proofing and ventilation, so it is generally a good idea to work with an architect to draft plans and 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 considered from the start of the project, it is far less likely that there will be any trouble further down the road. The vast majority of planning permission applications in England are approved.