Do you need planning permission to turn a garage into a room?

Surprisingly, the answer may be yes, even though you are not creating a new space, says planning consultant Simon Rix

- Simon Rix

When homeowners decide they would like to infill a garage door, create a new window there and use the space inside as a kitchen, extra bedroom, home office or similar, they quite often think that planning consent is not needed because no new structure is being created, which is totally understandable.

The trouble is that planning consent rules are not just about new buildings, they cover extensions and the use made of existing buildings, too. That’s not to say that you always need to obtain full planning consent to convert a garage for a different use. Permitted Development rights can apply and they mean planning consent is deemed to have already been given. But there are certain exclusions to these rights — so read on to ensure you are not caught out.

PERMITTED DEVELOPMENT (PD) RULES

Many situations are covered by PD rights, but those that aren’t – in other words where a full planning application is required – include those that involve:

● any flat or maisonette

● many newer housing developments

● conversion of a detached garage

● a conversion that would increase the size of the building

● a conversion where the materials used wouldn’t match the rest of the building

● properties in a conservation area, national park, area of outstanding natural beauty, the Norfolk or Suffolk Broads, any World Heritage Site area