Garage conversion refusal - next steps

cramped

phead wrote: »

Have you checked the planning website? They normally publish a list of infringements where action is being taken along side the meetings from the planning/development committee.

If it doesn't appear on there then they don't care, you might as well go ahead and do it.

Yes I have and its not on there.

That is my feeling too, but it makes me nervous!!

zappahey

cramped wrote: »

I have no idea why planning aren't investigating my neighbours, it seems like they can't be bothered!!
How long before my neighbours have got away with it?

Why do you want your neighbours investigated? Does that help you or is it simply a case of they shouldn't have it if I can't?

VfM4meplse

Emmzi wrote: »

whack on a conservatory instead.

I would imagine that it's covered by a similar covenant. Even planting a tree / erecting a shed can require permission within any given timeframe of a new estate being completed - usually 10 years.

more_money_for_me

Personally I would just do it, while leaving the garage door in place with some storage area behind. I would just accept that when I moved I may have to reinstate the garage. You get to use the space as you wish in the meantime. Lets face it the planning department are unlikely to ever know, and if they did would it really be high on their list of priorities?

pmlindyloo

I would stop worrying about your neighbours and concentrate on your own problem (sorry, sounds a bit harsh - not meant like that).

Converting a garage does not normally require planning permission as it is permitted development. However, from what you are saying your permitted development rights have been removed.

If it were me I would be getting a solicitor to look at this 'condition' to see if there is a time limit or any way of getting round this.

Personally I would not be going ahead with the garage conversion without planning permission as 1) you have alerted the council to this and 2) resale will be extremely difficult.

If you find that there is no way round this then I would be looking at a loft conversion (a possibility?) or extending at the back?

Because the reason given for removing your permitted development right is to do with parking then is there the possibility of creating another parking space? Could you pave over the front garden for example?

We did a garage conversion (some years back when PP was required) and was refused because of lack of parking space. We resubmitted the plans with drawings of the front of the house paved over and it was granted.

To sum up you need to ask the council - is there any way I can get planning permission or is this condition strictly applied no matter what?

Good luck.

NeverAgain_2

I wonder if your proposed use as a bedroom is part of the problem.

Planners don't like bedrooms on the ground floor when there are alternatives, particularly at the front of a property.

pmlindyloo

NeverAgain wrote: »

I wonder if your proposed use as a bedroom is part of the problem.

Planners don't like bedrooms on the ground floor when there are alternatives, particularly at the front of a property.

If this is the case then it is easily sorted by not having windows at the front of the property but only at the back.

I am sure the problem is about the parking and the permitted development being withdrawn.

jc808

Just put a bed/ drawers/ etc in the garage, job done

Yorkie1

Is it actually a planning restriction - or is it a covenant on the deeds of the house?

The council will only be interested in the former.

dimbo61

Cant change the colour of my garage door ( white,white,white everywhere)
cant park a caravan, boat, motorhome , commerical vehicle on my drive ( which is about 50 feet long)
Cant extend in any way without permission off the developer ( and they charge for any permission granted)
BUT and this is the big BUT I have a large ,wide driveway with room to park 5/6 cars.
Now one of the biggest problems with new estates is parking and small gardens.
guess you are a 2 car family ? so 1 car would be parked on the road if you converted the garage !
If you have a front garden could you make a parking space ( dont use tarmac/concrete water drainage ) ?
See a solictor and good luck