Planning Permission in Haworth

Planning Permission in Haworth

Planning permission is a system where local authorities can agree to building works by granting permission for the proposed work. Garage conversions will often not need planning permission, so long as the work is internal and you do not plan to expand the structure of your home. Garage conversions are often covered under permitted development rights, which protect a variety of home improvement work. However, these rights have been taken away in some areas by local authorities, especially in new builds, so it is 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 must abide by all building regulations relevant 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 use an architect to draft technical drawings and 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 considered from the start of the project, it is far less likely that there will be any trouble further down the road. The vast majority of planning permission applications in England are approved.