Planning Permission in Wigtownshire

Planning Permission in Wigtownshire

Planning permission is a system whereby local authorities can consent to building works by granting permission for the proposed work. Garage conversions will often not require planning permission, so long as the work is internal and you don't intend to expand the structure of your house. Garage conversions tend to be covered under permitted development rights, which cover a variety of home improvement work. However, these rights have been taken away in certain locations by councils, especially in new builds, so it's 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 neighbour, you will require a Party Wall Agreement. You must 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 often a good idea to utilise an architect to draft plans and approve designs in order to ensure compliance with these regulations. You'll 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 vast majority of planning permission applications in England are approved.