Planning Permission in Shifnal

Planning Permission in Shifnal

Planning permission is a system where local authorities can agree to building works by giving permission for the planned work. Garage conversions will often not require planning permission, so long as the work is internal and you don't intend to enlarge the structure of your property. Garage conversions tend to be covered under permitted development rights, which protect a variety of home improvement work. However, these rights have been taken away in certain regions by local authorities, particularly in new builds, so it's always worth checking with your local authority. If you're intending to undertake 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 neighbour, you will need a Party Wall Agreement. You are required to conform to all building regulations corresponding to your garage conversion whether or not you need planning permission. These building regulations cover aspects of the conversion such as insulation, escape routes, fire proofing and ventilation, so it is generally a good idea to use an architect to draft technical drawings also to 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 taken into account 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.