Planning Permission in Nelson

Planning Permission in Nelson

Planning permission is a system whereby local authorities can authorise building works by giving permission for the proposed work. Garage conversions will often not require planning permission, as long as the work is internal and you do not intend to expand the structure of your property. Garage conversions are usually covered under permitted development rights, which cover a number of home improvement work. However, these rights have been removed in some regions by councils, particularly in new builds, so it's always worth checking 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 need planning permission. In addition, if any of the walls of your garage are shared walls with a neighbour, you must obtain a Party Wall Agreement. You will still need to conform to all building regulations related to your garage conversion whether or not you need planning permission. These building regulations cover aspects of the conversion such as insulation, escape routes, fire proofing and ventilation, so it is often a good idea to utilise an architect to draft technical drawings and approve designs in order to ensure compliance with these regulations. You'll likely still need to submit plans detailing 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 road. The majority of planning permission applications in England are approved.