Garage conversions - is planning required?

[ICEQUEEN20]

We have just moved and have an integral garage that we want knocked into the lounge. Is planning permission required ?

[TonyV]

yes - you are changing none residential to residential basically, and I pressume blocking up the door, which will change the facade of the building.

[AlBags]

Change of use .. yes.
I would think Building Regs too.

[The Builder]

I'm afraid I must contradict Tony there ................... as long as they both come under the same "class of use" ............. i.e. domestic......... PP is not usually needed.

Google "Planning Portal" for the whole story

[The Builder]

Sorry Al ......... didn't see you come in there ......... check it out, it's interesting :o)

[AlBags]

Actually .. you're right.
Best way .. as always is to go to planning dept and ask! : )

[AlBags]

I did come across this before .. but not involved with job .. so I didn't question much at the time.

[The Builder]

Here's the link

http://www.planningpo...ects/garageconversion

[TonyV]

Yes Albags definately building regs too, but did'nt want to write lots of detail - just answer the question
.
Icequen - in first instance before you spend any money, you can check out likley hood of obtaining PP by just having a chat at the local planning office. Normally they will be only to pleased to help. Have any other properties close by, of similar design, had a similar conversion done? - if so this helps

[TonyV]

Ok Builder - I will defer to your experience and sreen name - lol

residential / none residential were incorrect terms - I really meant habitted / non habitted (sp) + the blocking up the door

[AlBags]

Makes things a bit easier TBH!
At the end of the day, this particular conversion may not need PP .. but would probably require BR.

[ICEQUEEN20]

Yes lots of the other houses have had this done. Dont really know them well enough to ask questions yet - dont want to appear too nosey! Only moved in this week. The Garage needs to be bricked up with a window instead and obviously RSJ. Thanks.

[McMouse]

We did a garage extension and conversion last year and had to comply with building regs. The requirements were stringent in terms of sound and heat insulation but the local planning office was helpful and gave good guidance to both our architect and builder.

[bushbaby_de]

The garage is already in the same use class as the house as it is in ancillary use to the main dwelling - so unless your house is listed or there is an Article 4 direction in your area, or a condition on a previous planning permission for your house, removing permitted development rights, then you will not require planning permission to convert the garage. This will also include changes to the doors and windows provided you are not extending any further forwards. Any extensions to the side or rear would fall under normal permitted development rights for dwellings, so may be acceptable if within the relevant restrictions. You will however require a building regulations application for the conversion.

As an aside I'm becoming concerned about the number of people giving answers on planning questions who seem to not know or understand the law properly and give completely incorrect answers - there was a similar thread on a conservatory last week with very unhelpful answers.