Planning Permission in Billingham

Planning Permission in Billingham

Planning permission is a system where local authorities can consent to building works by giving permission for the planned work. Garage conversions will usually not require planning permission, so long as the work is internal and you don't plan to enlarge the structure of the property. Garage conversions are usually 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, 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 live in a conservation area, you will require planning permission. Furthermore, if the walls of your garage are shared walls with a neighbour, you will need 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 parts of the conversion including 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'll likely still need to submit plans detailing 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. The vast majority of planning permission applications in England are approved.