Planning Permission in Blakeney
Planning permission is a system where local authorities can consent to building works by granting permission for the planned work. Garage conversions will often not need planning permission, as long as the work is internal and you do not plan to enlarge the structure of your property. Garage conversions are often covered under permitted development rights, which protect a number of home improvement work. However, these rights have been taken away in a number of locations by councils, usually in new builds, so it is always worth checking 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 neighbouring property, you will need a Party Wall Agreement. You are required to comply with all building regulations related to your garage conversion whether or not you need planning permission. These building regulations cover parts 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 draw up technical drawings also 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 taken into account from the start of the project, it is much less likely that there will be any trouble further down the road. Nearly all planning permission applications in England are approved.
