Understanding Planning Permission for Garage Conversions

While many garage conversions typically fall under "permitted development rights"—meaning you generally won't need to apply for planning permission—there are specific situations where you will absolutely need to seek formal approval from your local planning authority. It’s crucial to understand these exceptions before you start any work:

• Creating a Separate Home: If your intention is to transform your garage into an entirely independent living unit, regardless of who plans to live there, you will almost certainly require planning permission. We strongly recommend discussing these specific plans with your local planning authority as early as possible.

• Restrictions on Your Property: For some properties, particularly those situated on newer housing developments or within designated conservation areas, the permitted development rights for garage conversions may have been withdrawn. You must always check with your local planning authority to confirm the status of your property before proceeding with any work.

• Listed Building Status: If your property is classified as a listed building, any proposed work will necessitate "listed building consent." This is a distinct requirement that you'll need to obtain either alongside, or in place of, standard planning permission.

• Expanding the Structure: Should your conversion plans involve making the garage larger or altering its external measurements—such as adding an extension—you will typically need to secure planning permission for these structural changes.

It's important to note that the permitted development allowances discussed here generally apply only to traditional houses. They specifically do not cover:

• Flats and maisonettes.

• Houses that were originally converted from other building types, or new homes created through specific 'permitted development' rights for 'Changes of use' (Schedule 2, Part 3, Classes G; M; MA; N; P; PA and Q) or 'New Dwellinghouses' (Schedule 2, Part 20).

• Any other types of buildings apart from houses.

• Areas where a planning condition, an 'Article 4 Direction' (which is a special instruction from your local council that removes permitted development rights), or another type of restriction limits these rights.