Planning Permission in Newbury
Planning permission is a system where local authorities can authorise building works by giving permission for the proposed work. Garage conversions will usually not need planning permission, so long as the work is internal and you do not intend to enlarge the structure of the property. Garage conversions are often covered under permitted development rights, which cover a variety of home improvement work. However, these rights have been removed in certain locations by councils, especially in new builds, so it is always worth verifying with your local authority. If you're intending to undertake a garage conversion on a listed building or are in a conservation area, you will need planning permission. Furthermore, if the walls of your garage are shared walls with a neighbouring property, you must obtain a Party Wall Agreement. You must conform to all building regulations corresponding 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 use an architect to draft technical drawings and to approve designs in order to ensure compliance with these regulations. You'll 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 much less likely that there will be any trouble further down the road. The vast majority of planning permission applications in England are approved.
