Planning Permission in Greenwich

Planning Permission in Greenwich

Planning permission is a system whereby local authorities can authorise building works by giving permission for the planned work. Garage conversions will usually not need planning permission, as long as the work is internal and you don't intend to expand the structure of your property. Garage conversions tend to be covered under permitted development rights, which protect a variety of home improvement work. However, these rights have been removed in some areas by local authorities, 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 are in a conservation area, you will require planning permission. Furthermore, if the walls of your garage are shared walls with a neighbour, you will require a Party Wall Agreement. You must adhere to all building regulations relevant to your garage conversion whether or not you need planning permission. These building regulations cover aspects of the conversion including insulation, escape routes, fire proofing and ventilation, so it is generally a good idea to utilise an architect to draft plans and 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 considered from the start of the project, it is much less likely that there will be any trouble further down the line. Nearly all planning permission applications in England are approved.