Planning Permission in Seascale
Planning permission is a system where local authorities can authorise building works by granting permission for the planned work. Garage conversions will mostly not require planning permission, as long as the work is internal and you don't plan to expand the structure of your home. Garage conversions are often protected by permitted development rights, which cover a number of home improvement work. However, these rights have been taken away in a few regions by councils, particularly in new builds, so it's always worth checking with your local authority. If you're intending on undertaking a garage conversion on a listed building or live in a conservation area, you will require planning permission. In addition, if the walls of your garage are shared walls with a neighbouring property, you must obtain a Party Wall Agreement. You will still need to comply with all building regulations corresponding 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 often a good idea to use an architect to draft plans and 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 far less likely that there will be any trouble further down the road. The majority of planning permission applications in England are approved.