Planning Permission in Kinross
Planning permission is a system where local authorities can agree to building works by granting permission for the proposed work. Garage conversions will usually 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 usually covered under permitted development rights, which cover a number of home improvement work. However, these rights have been removed in a few regions by local authorities, especially in new builds, therefore 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 elements of the conversion such as insulation, escape routes, fire proofing and ventilation, so it is usually a good idea to work with an architect to draw up plans 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 taken into account from the start of the project, it is much less likely that there will be any trouble further down the road. Nearly all planning permission applications in England are approved.
