Planning Permission in Lydney
Planning permission is a system whereby local authorities can consent to building works by granting permission for the planned work. Garage conversions will typically not need planning permission, as long as the work is internal and you don't plan to expand the structure of your home. Garage conversions tend to be protected by permitted development rights, which cover a variety of home improvement work. However, these rights have been rescinded in certain regions by local authorities, usually in new builds, therefore it is always worth verifying with your local authority. If you're thinking about 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 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 like insulation, escape routes, fire proofing and ventilation, so it is usually a good idea to utilise an architect to draft technical drawings and 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 considered 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.
