Planning Permission in Northwood
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, as long as the work is internal and you don't intend 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 removed in some regions by councils, usually in new builds, therefore it is always worth checking with your local authority. If you are intending on undertaking a garage conversion on a listed building or live in a conservation area, you will require planning permission. Furthermore, if the walls of your garage are shared walls with a neighbour, you will require a Party Wall Agreement. You are required to conform to all building regulations pertaining 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 often a good idea to use an architect to draw up plans also to 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 considered from the start of the project, it is much less likely that there will be any trouble further down the line. The majority of planning permission applications in England are approved.