Planning Permission in West Calder
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 require planning permission, so long as the work is internal and you do not intend to enlarge the structure of the property. Garage conversions tend to be protected by permitted development rights, which protect a variety of home improvement work. However, these rights have been taken away in certain regions by local authorities, especially in new builds, therefore it is always worth checking with your local authority. If you're considering undertaking a garage conversion on a listed building or live in a conservation area, you will need planning permission. Furthermore, if any of the walls of your garage are shared walls with a neighbouring property, you must obtain 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 parts of the conversion such as insulation, escape routes, fire proofing and ventilation, so it is usually a good idea to work with an architect to draft plans and 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 far less likely that there will be any trouble further down the line. The vast majority of planning permission applications in England are approved.
