Planning Permission in Bromley
Planning permission is a system whereby local authorities can authorise building works by granting permission for the planned work. Garage conversions will usually not require planning permission, so long as the work is internal and you do not intend to enlarge the structure of your property. Garage conversions tend to be protected by permitted development rights, which protect a number of home improvement work. However, these rights have been rescinded in a few regions by local authorities, especially in new builds, so it's always worth verifying with your local authority. If you're considering undertaking a garage conversion on a listed building or live 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 must adhere to all building regulations related to your garage conversion whether or not you need planning permission. These building regulations cover elements of the conversion like insulation, escape routes, fire proofing and ventilation, so it is usually a good idea to utilise an architect to draft plans 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.