Do you need planning permission for a garage conversion?

Garage conversions often do not require planning permission and can instead be done under permitted development. However, this certainly does not mean all garage conversions don’t need planning permission.

There are lots of considerations to assess first before you can know whether planning permission is required or not. For example, what do you want to convert your garage into and who will use it? Will it be a bedroom, separate dwelling, home office, home gym, yoga studio or something else? Who will use the converted garage, will it be for family use or business?

Will you be changing the exterior design, for example removing the garage door and replacing with windows? What about the internal works, will you be installing new plumbing, heating, gas, water, electrics or telecoms?

In order to be considered permitted development the garage conversion first needs to meet all of the necessary planning and design criteria for permitted development. If even one is not met no matter how close it is then planning permission will be required. If your intention is to convert a garage into a separate house (regardless of who will occupy it), then planning permission may be required no matter what work is involved.

It is important to note that permitted development allowances for converting garages applies to houses but not to flats and maisonettes. All flats and maisonettes will require full planning permission. For converted houses or houses created through the permitted development rights a change use may be required for a garage conversion.

Some garage conversions also require prior approval even though they are considered permitted development. In these cases, work must not start until the local planning authority approves the application for prior approval.

For garage conversions that are likely to fall within permitted development a lawful development certificate is recommended. This is the only way to get a legal determination that your garage conversion is permitted and lawful. A lawful development certificate will likely be required should you wish to sell the property at any stage in future but most importantly it protects you from any retrospective planning issues, enforcements or penalties.

Ultimately, it is the planning officer assessing your application who will make the legal determination and either approve or reject your application. If your application for a lawful development certificate is rejected then an application for full planning permission would be required.

If there are any hidden constraints that limit or remove your permitted development rights, full planning permission may be required even if your project complies with all the permitted development criteria.

Building regulations approval may also be required once planning permission is approved, depending on the extent of the works.

If you would like to find out what is required for your garage conversion, the likelihood of success or the costs associated with applying for planning permission please contact us to speak with one of our expert planning consultants today.

Get in touch!