Planning Permission in Stanmore

Planning Permission in Stanmore

Planning permission is a system where local authorities can consent to building works by granting permission for the proposed work. Garage conversions will usually not require planning permission, so long as the work is internal and you don't intend to expand the structure of your house. Garage conversions tend to be covered under permitted development rights, which protect a variety of home improvement work. However, these rights have been rescinded in a few regions by local authorities, usually in new builds, therefore it is always worth verifying with your local authority. If you're intending on undertaking a garage conversion on a listed building or are in a conservation area, you will need planning permission. Furthermore, if the walls of your garage are shared walls with a neighbour, you will require a Party Wall Agreement. You will still need to abide by all building regulations corresponding to your garage conversion whether or not you need planning permission. These building regulations cover parts of the conversion like insulation, escape routes, fire proofing and ventilation, so it is generally a good idea to use an architect to draw up technical drawings and 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 much less likely that there will be any trouble further down the line. Nearly all planning permission applications in England are approved.