Planning Permission in Kelso
Planning permission is a system whereby local authorities can consent to building works by granting permission for the planned work. Garage conversions will usually not need planning permission, so long as the work is internal and you do not intend to expand the structure of your house. 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, particularly in new builds, so it's always worth checking 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. Furthermore, if the walls of your garage are shared walls with a neighbour, you will need a Party Wall Agreement. You will still need to conform to all building regulations relevant 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 often a good idea to work with an architect to draft plans and 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 far less likely that there will be any trouble further down the line. The majority of planning permission applications in England are approved.
