Planning Permission in Treharris

Planning Permission in Treharris

Planning permission is a system whereby local authorities can consent to building works by granting permission for the planned work. Garage conversions will typically not need planning permission, so long as the work is internal and you don't intend to expand the structure of your home. Garage conversions are usually covered under permitted development rights, which protect a variety of home improvement work. However, these rights have been taken away in a number of locations by councils, usually in new builds, so it is always worth verifying with your local authority. If you are intending to undertake a garage conversion on a listed building or live in a conservation area, you will require planning permission. Furthermore, 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 conform to all building regulations related to your garage conversion whether or not you need planning permission. These building regulations cover elements 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 plans and also to approve designs in order to ensure compliance with these regulations. You'll 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 line. Nearly all planning permission applications in England are approved.