Garage to room?

Question

I have a gararge that was once a room and an integral part of the house. Do I need planning to put it back or just building regs? It does not overlook or encroach on any one elses property.

Answer 1

Just Building regulations. As long as you are not making any structural alterations to increase the room building regs. should be sufficient. The only reason I can think that you may need planning would be if it was a listed building. As to answer below. You can ring your local planning dept, get the person's name and email address and email the information. This is what I did and I received an email letter back with all the information I needed, which in my particular case (nothing to do with your garage) I did not need planning permission only building regulations. I then stored both my letter and their reply. This is the same as getting an official letter in the post. They will also send you a booklet in the post with information regarding the planning and building regulations. Example: Extension or garage does not need planning permission as long as it does not exceed 6 cubic metres.

Answer 2

I would check with the council. There is nothing more random than a councils stance on things like this !

I do a fair bit of building conversion and its best not to second guess the wo/man with the clipboard.

If the room has permission to conver it to a garage, then the use would be changed. Its no longer a room. The original garage permission does not include a free transfer back to a room.

Sounds like you would have no problem getting permission, so why worry about £265 if you need permission.

I'd put it in writing with a plan asking for thier opinion as to permission requirements. If they right back and say no permission required then essentially you've got it for free.

As you say, buiding regs still apply.

see the first answer you got from a planning dept person. they say "should be sufficient."...I think they are trained to keep thier options open ! Thats why you need to get it in writing,

Answer 3

I think you might have to get planning permission as it will be a change of use, the same as you had to when you changed it into a garage.

Answer 4

check the building codes for the city you live in. If there isn't one for remodeling on an existing structure... then do whatever you want to it.

Answer 5

as it was originally a room common sense says no problem . check with your local authority planning they will help and probably confirm what i have told you