Planning Permission in Liskeard
Planning permission is a system whereby local authorities can authorise building works by granting permission for the planned work. Garage conversions will usually not require planning permission, so long as the work is internal and you do not plan to expand the structure of your property. Garage conversions tend to be protected by permitted development rights, which protect a number of home improvement work. However, these rights have been removed in some locations by local authorities, usually in new builds, therefore it is always worth checking with your local authority. If you are considering undertaking a garage conversion on a listed building or live in a conservation area, you will need planning permission. Furthermore, if any of the walls of your garage are shared walls with a neighbour, you must obtain a Party Wall Agreement. You must comply with 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 generally a good idea to utilise an architect to draft technical drawings and also to approve designs in order to ensure compliance with these regulations. You will likely still need to submit plans detailing the change of use of the garage to your local authority. If planning permission is considered from the start of the project, it is much less likely that there will be any trouble further down the line. Nearly all planning permission applications in England are approved.
