Planning Permission in Weston-super-mare

Planning Permission in Weston-super-mare

Planning permission is a system whereby local authorities can authorise building works by giving permission for the proposed work. Garage conversions will usually not require planning permission, as long as the work is internal and you don't plan to expand the structure of your property. 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 areas by local authorities, especially in new builds, so it's always worth verifying with your local authority. If you are considering undertaking a garage conversion on a listed building or live in a conservation area, you will require planning permission. Furthermore, if the walls of your garage are shared walls with a neighbour, you will need a Party Wall Agreement. You must adhere to all building regulations relevant 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 generally a good idea to utilise an architect to draw up technical drawings and 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 far less likely that there will be any trouble further down the road. The majority of planning permission applications in England are approved.