Planning Permission in Castleford
Planning permission is a system whereby local authorities can authorise building works by granting permission for the planned work. Garage conversions will often not need planning permission, so long as the work is internal and you don't intend to expand the structure of your property. Garage conversions are often covered under permitted development rights, which cover a number of home improvement work. However, these rights have been removed in a number of areas by local authorities, usually in new builds, so it's always worth verifying with your local authority. If you're intending to undertake 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 neighbour, you will need a Party Wall Agreement. You must abide by all building regulations corresponding to your garage conversion whether or not you need planning permission. These building regulations cover aspects of the conversion like insulation, escape routes, fire proofing and ventilation, so it is often a good idea to utilise an architect to draw up technical drawings and 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 considered from the start of the project, it is far less likely that there will be any trouble further down the line. Nearly all planning permission applications in England are approved.