Converting a garage

[auzzie]

We have a 24ft long detached garage in our back garden. We were thinking about converting it into a usuable space, something like a games room, gym or summer house. We would like to put in French windows so that it open up into the garden. Do we need planning permission and/or building regs for this?

[buildersmate]

You are unlikely to need PP because the structure is already there. The caveat is that because you are converting space where a car would normally go to something else, Planning may want to check that you can still park an adequate number of vehicles off-road. No harm in asking them.
You would need Building Regs approval if you are converting the space from non-habitable space to habitable space, but the uses you mention don't sound like habitable uses to me. Probably just as well because BR would demand that you insulate the structure to a high standard.

[auzzie]

Thanks buildersmate. Funnily enough we have never ever parked a car in it. We have always used it as a workshop/dumping ground. We have a large drive which is capable of enough parking for about 5/6 cars, so no issue there, but i will give the council a ring in the morning to make sure. Many thanks

[Toureman]

Whatever you do don't mention it to the council or they will insist you pay them �150 for planning permission plus paying for plans to be drawn and 3 months later say yes!

[auzzie]

oops, too late. Spoke to council about an hour ago and thankfully they agree with builders mate. The only problem is that the council will not set it in stone unless you apply for a "lawful certificate" This costs �67.50 (50p?) and we have to fill in forms and send in plans. But what this means is that there will be no hassle when we come to sell the place. Might just be worth that.

[buildersmate]

Sorry, Toureman, you don't seem to understand how PP works. They will give you an informal opinion about whether you need to apply for PP; they will not tell you to apply anyway if you might not have needed to.