Planning Permission in Bala
Planning permission is a system whereby local authorities can agree to building works by giving permission for the planned work. Garage conversions will usually not need planning permission, so long as the work is internal and you do not intend to enlarge the structure of your property. Garage conversions are usually protected by permitted development rights, which cover a variety of home improvement work. However, these rights have been rescinded in a few areas by councils, especially in new builds, so it's always worth verifying with your local authority. If you're preparing to undertake 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 neighbouring property, you will need a Party Wall Agreement. You will still need to comply with all building regulations related 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 usually a good idea to use an architect to draft technical drawings and 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 much less likely that there will be any trouble further down the line. The majority of planning permission applications in England are approved.
