Planning Permission in Tenby
Planning permission is a system whereby local authorities can authorise building works by granting permission for the proposed work. Garage conversions will typically not need planning permission, as long as the work is internal and you do not plan to expand the structure of the property. Garage conversions are usually protected by permitted development rights, which cover a number of home improvement work. However, these rights have been taken away in certain areas by local authorities, especially in new builds, so it is always worth verifying 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 need planning permission. In addition, if any of the walls of your garage are shared walls with a neighbour, you will need a Party Wall Agreement. You are required to abide by all building regulations related 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 often a good idea to utilise an architect to draft plans also to approve designs in order to ensure compliance with these regulations. You will 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 much less likely that there will be any trouble further down the line. The majority of planning permission applications in England are approved.