Planning Permission in Orkney Islands

Planning Permission in Orkney Islands

Planning permission is a system where local authorities can authorise building works by giving permission for the proposed work. Garage conversions will typically not need planning permission, as long as the work is internal and you don't intend to expand the structure of your home. Garage conversions are usually protected by permitted development rights, which protect a number of home improvement work. However, these rights have been removed in some regions by local authorities, usually in new builds, therefore it is always worth verifying with your local authority. If you are preparing to undertake a garage conversion on a listed building or are in a conservation area, you will require planning permission. In addition, if any of the walls of your garage are shared walls with a neighbouring property, you will require a Party Wall Agreement. You must comply with all building regulations related to your garage conversion whether or not you need planning permission. These building regulations cover aspects of the conversion like insulation, escape routes, fire proofing and ventilation, so it is usually a good idea to use an architect to draw up plans 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 road. Nearly all planning permission applications in England are approved.