Moving our garage door forward

pioneer22

Hi,

We live in a new build 3 story townhouse and our garage has an open back to the garden

the garage runs the entire length of the house and the garage door is in the middle so its open at the front and open at the back if that makes sense.

We are fed up with things getting taken from the garage/garden and want to move the garage door to the front and build a wall at the back of the house. However the council have said we cant move it because its a new estate and cant build the wall as we need space for 2 cars. We only have one car and it doesnt fit in the garage anyway.

If we moved it any what would be the consequence? Its a leasehold property but we do own it.

ic

If a wall is a problem, what about putting locked gates on?

KennyH1

I assume that when the house was built then there were planning conditions attached that there must be parking for 2 cars, so you would go against that.

Also if you move the garage doors forward then this will be changing the front elevation of the building so planning permission may be required.

Even though you own the house there may be conditions in your lease regarding changes to the layout of the property so check your lease.

hamster2013

I would suggest alternatives to work not allowed in lease or by council.

worst that could happen is they ask you to put it back as it was, at your cost obviously.

scottishblondie

You risk 2 things:

1. The council finding out that you've made the alterations and forcing you to undo it.

2. When you sell the house the buyers will be put off by the fact that you had no planning permission. Best case they accept indemnity insurance, worst case sales fall through.

Would a locked gate at the back be a suitable way to make it more secure?

pioneer22

scottishblondie wrote: »

You risk 2 things:

1. The council finding out that you've made the alterations and forcing you to undo it.

2. When you sell the house the buyers will be put off by the fact that you had no planning permission. Best case they accept indemnity insurance, worst case sales fall through.

Would a locked gate at the back be a suitable way to make it more secure?

Thanks for the replies, No there isnt a way of putting a gate in, if we moved the garage door how could the council force us to move it back?

scottishblondie

pioneer22 wrote: »

Thanks for the replies, No there isnt a way of putting a gate in, if we moved the garage door how could the council force us to move it back?

They would issue an enforcement notice detailing the issue and what they want you to do to resolve it. If you don't comply with it they may then prosecute you for a breach of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990. This carries a maximum fine of £20,000.