Planning Permission in Bridgend
Planning permission is a system where local authorities can consent to building works by granting permission for the proposed work. Garage conversions will usually not require planning permission, so long as the work is internal and you don't intend to enlarge the structure of your property. Garage conversions are usually covered under permitted development rights, which protect a number of home improvement work. However, these rights have been taken away in some areas by local authorities, usually in new builds, so it is always worth checking with your local authority. If you are intending to undertake a garage conversion on a listed building or are in a conservation area, you will need planning permission. In addition, if any of the walls of your garage are shared walls with a neighbouring property, you will need a Party Wall Agreement. You are required to abide by 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 use an architect to draw up 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 vast majority of planning permission applications in England are approved.
