Planning Permission in Corbridge
Planning permission is a system where local authorities can authorise building works by giving permission for the planned work. Garage conversions will mostly not need planning permission, so long as the work is internal and you do not intend to expand the structure of the property. Garage conversions are usually protected by permitted development rights, which protect a number of home improvement work. However, these rights have been taken away in a few locations by local authorities, particularly in new builds, so it's always worth checking with your local authority. If you are planning to undertake a garage conversion on a listed building or are in a conservation area, you will need planning permission. In addition, if the walls of your garage are shared walls with a neighbouring property, you will require a Party Wall Agreement. You are required to adhere to all building regulations corresponding to your garage conversion whether or not you need planning permission. These building regulations cover aspects 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 plans also to approve designs in order to ensure compliance with these regulations. You will 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 line. The majority of planning permission applications in England are approved.
