Planning Permission in Berwickshire

Planning Permission in Berwickshire

Planning permission is a system where local authorities can agree to building works by giving permission for the planned work. Garage conversions will often not need planning permission, as long as the work is internal and you do not intend to expand the structure of your home. Garage conversions are often protected by permitted development rights, which cover a number of home improvement work. However, these rights have been rescinded in some locations by councils, especially in new builds, therefore it is always worth checking with your local authority. If you're 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 neighbouring property, you must obtain a Party Wall Agreement. You will still need to comply with 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 often a good idea to use an architect to draft plans 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 considered from the start of the project, it is much less likely that there will be any trouble further down the road. The majority of planning permission applications in England are approved.