Planning Permission in Warlingham

Planning Permission in Warlingham

Planning permission is a system where local authorities can authorise building works by granting permission for the proposed work. Garage conversions will typically not require planning permission, as long as the work is internal and you don't plan to enlarge the structure of the property. Garage conversions tend to be covered under permitted development rights, which protect a number of home improvement work. However, these rights have been removed in a few areas by councils, especially in new builds, therefore it is always worth verifying with your local authority. If you are considering undertaking a garage conversion on a listed building or are in a conservation area, you will need planning permission. Furthermore, if any of the walls of your garage are shared walls with a neighbour, you must obtain a Party Wall Agreement. You are required to adhere to all building regulations corresponding to your garage conversion whether or not you need planning permission. These building regulations cover aspects of the conversion such as insulation, escape routes, fire proofing and ventilation, so it is generally a good idea to work with an architect to draft technical drawings and 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. The majority of planning permission applications in England are approved.