Garage conversion / extension

In May 2013 changes came into force to allow permitted development for home extensions; to increase the size limits for the depth of single-storey domestic extensions from 4m to 8m (for detached houses) and from 3m to 6m (for all other houses), in non-protected areas, for a period of three years. A neighbour consultation scheme on new extensions was introduced by the then Government in response to concerns about the original proposals. This temporary permitted development has now been extended until May 2019. From 15 April 2015 the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 2015 consolidated and revoked the previous 1995 legislation relating to permitted development in England. It also introduced a number of new permitted development rights. In answer to your question; Single Storey Extensions are covered under PD legislation, providing they do not exceed the max. allowable area as noted above. Loft Conversions are also covered under PD, providing Dormer windows do not exceed the max allowable area under PD legislation, you may also include both a Single Storey Extension and Loft Dormer, under PD, but the total area of both projects must not exceed the max. allowable area under PD. Unfortunately, Flat Conversions and/or Garage Conversions are not covered under PD legislation.

There are certain circumstances where you can convert your attached garage to habitable accommodation under your permitted development rights. Planning permission is not usually required, providing the work is internal and does not involve enlarging the building. Sometimes permitted development rights have been removed [ often referred to as an Article 4 direction ] from some properties with regard to garage conversions and therefore you should contact your local planning authority before proceeding, particularly if you live on a new housing development or in a conservation area. If your permitted development rights have been removed then you can apply for a garage conversion under a householder planning application but the planners will take on board highways departments views and if additional on street car parking is an issue your application will probably be rejected. The reasons for this are that new housing developments have "built in" residential car parking standards, ie a 3 bedroom property must provide 2 off street car parking spaces , as an example, so any garage conversion or loss of off street car parking will lead to more on street car parking which the planners and highways department would not normally support. Where work is proposed to a listed building, listed building consent may be required. The above applies to single dwelling houses only and not flats etc There are sometimes other restrictions in your title deeds that you need to ensure you adhere to as some developments are restricted by the number of rooms and footprint etc If you are converting your garage and also extending it then you need to refer to Part A of the Permitted Development order and technical guidance, both of these documents are available under the resources page of our website. It can get quite complicated if you have existing rear/side extensions where both the rear extension and side extension rules can be applied. There are a number of floorplan options referred to in the technical guidance. In any case a "Lawful Development Application for Proposed Use " n should be made to the planning department and also a building regulation application.