Buying to build Conservatory/extension: Property has detached garage

mr_kipling1234

Help, need advise to proceed or not? I am buying an end terrace hosue with a detached garage (7 by 2.5 meters). The detached garage is about 6 meters behind the property accessible to the side of the property. We eventually will want to extend by 3 meters rear of the property either a full extension (ideally) or conservatory. Do you think this is possible? you think planning permission for this would be difficult. This is one of the reasons why we like the property, the potential for an extension but we do not want this at the expense of demolishing the garage which we are paying a premium for. Any advise welcome. We have not exchanged contracts.

Shimrod

Quickest way to determine if it is possible would be to check if other houses in the street with garages have extensions or conservatories. Depending on where you live (e.g. conservation area) there may be additional planning regulations that may have to be met. The surest way to determine whether your plans will be acceptable would be to phone the council planning office and have a chat with one of the planning officers.

m_13

Permitted Development Rights have changed and there are now really clear guidelines available on what you can and can't do to a property if it hasn't had the Permitted Development Rights removed.

I downloaded the guidance for my local area from the planning part of the Council's website. It explains what they accept, where and what kinds of rooflines etc.

To find out what other people have done, as Shimrod says, look at the property on www.bing.com/maps. Their maps for most of the country are currently superior to Google for aerial view. Mouse over London Street Map on the right after you've put in the postcode and select Bird's Eye at the bottom and make sure that 'show angled view' is ticked. You should be able to zoom in and look from different angles to see your neighbours.

tyler80

Just worth mentioning, at least in this area, that the Bing 3d maps are circa 2001 v google 2007/2008

Injebreck

Having worked in the Planning Department of my local council until recently, I can confidently say that the change to Permitted Development has made things more difficult and not easier. Your local council's website may well have a link to the offsite with the new PD rules, which you should look at. If you believe your development does not require planning permission, you don't need to apply. However, if you sell the house in future, the buyer's solicitor may well then ask for proof that permission was not required - we have had several cases where this was required. Depending on your council's policy, they may give you written confirmation for free or they may charge you for it. It costs nothing to have a word with a planning officer to see what their opinion is, though, but their advice will be treated as unofficial.