Planning Permission in Merthyr Tydfil
Planning permission is a system where local authorities can agree to building works by granting permission for the proposed work. Garage conversions will mostly not require planning permission, as long as the work is internal and you do not plan to enlarge the structure of the property. Garage conversions tend to be covered under permitted development rights, which protect a number of home improvement work. However, these rights have been rescinded in a number of areas by local authorities, particularly in new builds, so it is always worth checking with your local authority.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 need planning permission. In addition, if the walls of your garage are shared walls with a neighbouring property, you will need a Party Wall Agreement. You will still need to conform to all building regulations pertaining to your garage conversion whether or not you need planning permission. These building regulations cover parts 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 considered from the start of the project, it is far less likely that there will be any trouble further down the road. The majority of planning permission applications in England are approved.