Do I need planning permission for a garage conversion?

thegreenone

I didn't know anyone can DIY Building Regs.  I thought you needed a professional. 

Section62

thegreenone said:

I didn't know anyone can DIY Building Regs.  I thought you needed a professional. 

No, there's no requirement to use a professional to submit notices/applications etc to BC.   But in a similar way to submitting a tax return to HMRC, the process can be less hassle if you get professional help to deal with complicated cases.

Builders or architects are other examples of professionals who can do BR work for you, it doesn't have to be a structural engineer.

Doozergirl

KaratePigeon said:

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

I'm worried about your builder if they don't think you can get through building control without drawings!  How long have they been working as a builder?! 

There are two routes.  One is 'full plans' and one is called 'building notice'.  Full plans is a submission of drawings that detail all the insulation you'd be using etc. Building Control inspect the drawings, approve those and then inspect as well.  

'Building notice' is all done via on site inspections.   It costs a bit more, but not as much as doing the drawings would.  You can use this route if you have a solid relationship with your builder and know their reputation.  

Building regs plans are useful for builders to price from and it can form part of your contract, but your average garage conversion is the simplest building job you can get and any builder of any experience at all should be able to know what the requirements are standing on their head.  If a builder was working on their own house, they'd not dream of commissioning drawings for building control.    

I'd not criticise a builder wanting the plans to help cover everyone's back, but the idea that they think building control has to involve drawings brings me to question their experience.  The smaller the job, the less likely you are to need plans at all... plans come with the bigger jobs.