Planning Permission in Gatwick
Planning permission is a system where local authorities can agree to building works by giving permission for the proposed work. Garage conversions will mostly not need planning permission, so long as the work is internal and you don't intend to expand the structure of your home. Garage conversions are often covered under permitted development rights, which cover a number of home improvement work. However, these rights have been rescinded in a number of areas by councils, particularly in new builds, so it is always worth checking with your local authority. If you're intending on undertaking a garage conversion on a listed building or live in a conservation area, you will require planning permission. In addition, if the walls of your garage are shared walls with a neighbour, you will require a Party Wall Agreement. You will still need to abide by all building regulations corresponding to your garage conversion whether or not you need planning permission. These building regulations cover parts 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 also to 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 much less likely that there will be any trouble further down the road. The vast majority of planning permission applications in England are approved.
