Planning Permission in Haywards Heath
Planning permission is a system where local authorities can consent to building works by giving permission for the proposed work. Garage conversions will often not need planning permission, so long as the work is internal and you don't plan to enlarge the structure of the property. Garage conversions are often protected by permitted development rights, which protect a variety of home improvement work. However, these rights have been rescinded in a number of areas by local authorities, usually in new builds, therefore it is always worth verifying with your local authority. If you're intending on undertaking a garage conversion on a listed building or are in a conservation area, you will require planning permission. In addition, if any of the walls of your garage are shared walls with a neighbour, you will require a Party Wall Agreement. You will still need to adhere to all building regulations pertaining to your garage conversion whether or not you need planning permission. These building regulations cover parts of the conversion such as insulation, escape routes, fire proofing and ventilation, so it is generally a good idea to use an architect to draw up plans also to approve designs in order to ensure compliance with these regulations. You'll likely still need to submit plans detailing 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 line. The majority of planning permission applications in England are approved.