Planning Permission in Heywood
Planning permission is a system where local authorities can authorise building works by giving permission for the planned work. Garage conversions will usually not require planning permission, so long as the work is internal and you don't intend to expand the structure of your house. Garage conversions tend to be covered under permitted development rights, which cover a variety of home improvement work. However, these rights have been rescinded in some areas by local authorities, especially in new builds, therefore it is always worth checking with your local authority. If you're considering undertaking 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 must obtain a Party Wall Agreement. You will still need to adhere to all building regulations related to your garage conversion whether or not you need planning permission. These building regulations cover parts of the conversion including insulation, escape routes, fire proofing and ventilation, so it is usually a good idea to use an architect to draft plans and 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 far less likely that there will be any trouble further down the line. The vast majority of planning permission applications in England are approved.
