Planning Permission in Ruislip
Planning permission is a system where local authorities can agree to building works by granting permission for the planned work. Garage conversions will typically not need planning permission, as long as the work is internal and you don't plan to expand the structure of the property. Garage conversions are usually covered under permitted development rights, which protect a number of home improvement work. However, these rights have been taken away in certain regions by local authorities, 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 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 are required to abide by all building regulations relevant to your garage conversion whether or not you need planning permission. These building regulations cover aspects of the conversion including insulation, escape routes, fire proofing and ventilation, so it is generally a good idea to use an architect to draft plans 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 vast majority of planning permission applications in England are approved.