Planning Permission in Chipping Norton

Planning Permission in Chipping Norton

Planning permission is a system where local authorities can consent to building works by giving permission for the proposed work. Garage conversions will mostly not require planning permission, so long as the work is internal and you do not intend to expand the structure of your home. Garage conversions are often protected by permitted development rights, which protect a number of home improvement work. However, these rights have been rescinded in a number of locations by councils, usually in new builds, so it is always worth verifying with your local authority. If you are preparing to undertake a garage conversion on a listed building or live in a conservation area, you will need planning permission. Furthermore, if any of the walls of your garage are shared walls with a neighbouring property, you will need a Party Wall Agreement. You must conform to all building regulations relevant 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 usually a good idea to work with an architect to draft plans and 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 considered from the start of the project, it is far less likely that there will be any trouble further down the road. Nearly all planning permission applications in England are approved.