Do I need planning permission for a garage conversion?

KaratePigeon

Thanks for all the responses. I tried looking through the planning applications website but I couldn't find much useful (though I'll admit I don't really know what I'm looking for). All the council will say is that if you're not sure then to submit plans. I told the builder I'd be happy to progress without permission (as other people have done it and it's such a small thing externally I'm confident it'd be fine) but then he said I wouldn't be able to get building regs sign off (which I do want, I think?) 

so the only option seems to be for me to progress at risk with nothing signed off, or pay someone to draw me plans (will they even do that, and how much is it likely to cost?)

Rosa_Damascena

KaratePigeon said:

Thanks for all the responses. I tried looking through the planning applications website but I couldn't find much useful (though I'll admit I don't really know what I'm looking for). All the council will say is that if you're not sure then to submit plans. I told the builder I'd be happy to progress without permission (as other people have done it and it's such a small thing externally I'm confident it'd be fine) but then he said I wouldn't be able to get building regs sign off (which I do want, I think?) 

so the only option seems to be for me to progress at risk with nothing signed off, or pay someone to draw me plans (will they even do that, and how much is it likely to cost?)

Without a doubt.

Can you search planning applications by property details? That might shed some light on who has sought permission for their conversions.

DevilDamo

@KaratePigeon Send me a PM with your address details and I’ll see what I can find out. 

TELLIT01

Have you tried asking one of the neighbours who has been down that route already?

thegreenone

KP, you should find a local Structural Engineer who can do the calcs (poss around £300-500 plus submission costs) and submit them for building regs. within Permitted Development.  If you start and convert without Building Regs the council could ask you to change it back, completely at your expense. Please do not just go ahead and start.  Your builders reputation is on the line if he agrees.  If you don't get sign off from BRegs, it will come back to bite you on the bum should you ever wish to sell or even after you die, your relatives will have to get BR to sell.   Don't do it.   

Edited: I'm not sure on details but fire protection is a big issue when incorporating a garage into a house.

Section62

thegreenone said:

KP, you should find a local Structural Engineer who can do the calcs (poss around £300-500 plus submission costs) and submit them for building regs. within Permitted Development.  If you start and convert without Building Regs the council could ask you to change it back, completely at your expense. Please do not just go ahead and start.  Your builders reputation is on the line if he agrees.  If you don't get sign off from BRegs, it will come back to bite you on the bum should you ever wish to sell or even after you die, your relatives will have to get BR to sell.   Don't do it.   

Edited: I'm not sure on details but fire protection is a big issue when incorporating a garage into a house.

It is unlikely a straightforward garage conversion as the OP describes will involve any calculations necessitating a structural engineer, unless the work also involves structural alterations.

The main issue is the one already mentioned - if PD rights have been removed, or if there are planning conditions in place requiring the garage to be available for parking.  Both of those need to be checked with the local planning authority.

And I agree about it being essential to follow the process for BR.

DevilDamo

thegreenone said:

KP, you should find a local Structural Engineer who can do the calcs (poss around £300-500 plus submission costs) and submit them for building regs. within Permitted Development.  If you start and convert without Building Regs the council could ask you to change it back, completely at your expense. Please do not just go ahead and start.  Your builders reputation is on the line if he agrees.  If you don't get sign off from BRegs, it will come back to bite you on the bum should you ever wish to sell or even after you die, your relatives will have to get BR to sell.   Don't do it.   

Edited: I'm not sure on details but fire protection is a big issue when incorporating a garage into a house.

A structural engineer for an integral garage conversion Are you still hungover from the football?

KaratePigeon

DevilDamo said:

@KaratePigeon Send me a PM with your address details and I’ll see what I can find out. 

thanks DevilDamo, done that

I have asked a local guy who does drawings, he said he assumes I have permitted development rights due to the other houses having had conversions, and that if so I can apply for building regs under a building notice and do not need drawings.

But my builder said it's very unlikely I would get building control sign off without drawings.

I'm so confused

thegreenone

DevilDamo said:

thegreenone said:

KP, you should find a local Structural Engineer who can do the calcs (poss around £300-500 plus submission costs) and submit them for building regs. within Permitted Development.  If you start and convert without Building Regs the council could ask you to change it back, completely at your expense. Please do not just go ahead and start.  Your builders reputation is on the line if he agrees.  If you don't get sign off from BRegs, it will come back to bite you on the bum should you ever wish to sell or even after you die, your relatives will have to get BR to sell.   Don't do it.   

Edited: I'm not sure on details but fire protection is a big issue when incorporating a garage into a house.

A structural engineer for an integral garage conversion Are you still hungover from the football?

Who would you suggest to do the calcs?

Section62

thegreenone said:

Who would you suggest to do the calcs?

I think the point being made was the same as I made in the preceding post... what the OP is describing is unlikely to need any structural calculations.

But if there is a need, it will get flagged up in the BR process.