Detached FlatRoof Garage

shul558127

Morning, we have new neighbours over the back of us. All our houses (70's build) have garages deatched from the house, with flat concrete roofs set back slighty from the house and into the gardens. The garages adjoin the neighbours. Can they be converted into any kind of living space under permitted development? Rumours are rife that its being turned into a granny annexe, the side window and door have been replaced. They are very close to us our gardens back onto each other and they are only about 20ft if that. Many thanks

Doozergirl

They can be converted into a space that is ancillary to the house under permitted development. 

As long as it isn't capable of being a separate living unit - ie. with kitchen facilities and a bathroom, it should be okay without formal planning permission.  It would need building control approval for any connection up to water/waste.  

Given the size of the average size of a 1970s garage and the size of your gardens, it probably isn't a proper granny annexe, but an additional room for the household.  

Doozergirl

Here's the guidance.  First page planning, next page building control. 

https://www.planningportal.co.uk/info/200130/common_projects/43/outbuildings