Garage conversion - Restrictive covenants / Permissions.

aliasmt8

Hi all,

We are planning to convert our garage into a gym or office and are looking for advice regarding the various permissions required from those with experience in this field.

First up, our builder is David Wilson Homes and although I am not able to include a link I have looked on their website under their Building alterations and extensions section.

Essentially it appears that there are 3 potential hurdles to jump.

1. Restrictive covenants. Our title deeds confirm that these are only in place for the first 5 years from the date of transfer so in theory we would have passed that point when we got the work done.
2. Planning permission. It seems unlikely that this would be needed for a garage conversion but there are various references online to possibly needing it when you are changing the "exterior" of the building. So, fitting bi-fold doors as an example would surely be classed as both interior and exterior changes. Also, removing a garage door and replacing it with matching stone may also need to be agreed. We will obviously check this with our local council.
3. The builder's website states: "In addition to any planning permissions and other legal requirements, we’ll also need to give approval for the change." Can they really enforce this once the restrictive covenants have expired.

Apologies for the long post but obviously want to ensure that we don't hit any problems when spending a large sum of money getting the work done.

Many thanks to all in advance.

user1977

aliasmt8 said:

1. Restrictive covenants. Our title deeds confirm that these are only in place for the first 5 years from the date of transfer so in theory we would have passed that point when we got the work done.
2. ....
3. The builder's website states: "In addition to any planning permissions and other legal requirements, we’ll also need to give approval for the change." Can they really enforce this once the restrictive covenants have expired.

I think this is just a repetition of 1 - they don't have any rights beyond whatever the covenants say.

aliasmt8

Hopefully just the council to appease then

dimbo61

A number of councils are restricting Permitted development rights on New builds.
My sister had to apply for planning permission in order to change her integral garage into a living room.
Matching brickwork and windows with the rest of the property.
Also they required a New parking space to be created.

aliasmt8

Yeah, the most common conditions seem to be that you don’t lose a parking space and that you aren’t putting in windows which overlook a neighbour which both make sense. We’ll be using the same stone.