Changes to integrated garage on new development

[Tizwas]

We live in a terraced new build (about 4.5yr old) with an integrated garage.
We recently had some work done to our garage (which we had never used for a car being a typical new garage not enough room!)

We've had a knock through from the lounge to the garage which we spoke to planning about and they said no planning needed. We've then put in a stud wall, had the walls plastered, floor put down, lighting and plug sockets put in to make a clean storage area (rather than the mess it was before!) from our understanding because this is "temporary" we didn't need planning permission.

However, we understand because it's a new development there is restrictions to use of garage due to parking space. We have now had a card through the door saying a planning officer has been round to look at conversion of our garage. Obviously someone has reported we have had some work done.

We are pretty worried as would be devastated to lose this great storage space we have created and were wondering where we stand? Is what we have done against restrictions? Do new build restrictions due to parking last forever? Can we do anything?!

We actually put a stud wall in over four years ago which we were wondering if this would be protected by the four year "rule" - the recent work was the improvements - plastering, lights, radiator etc.

We appreciate your help - this is the first (and probably last!) home improvement we have done!

 

[tony1851]

We've had a knock through from the lounge to the garage which we spoke to planning about and they said no planning needed. .....................

However, we understand because it's a new development there is restrictions to use of garage due to parking space. We have now had a card through the door saying a planning officer has been round to look at conversion of our garage.

You should never, ever, go off what 'someone in planning' says verbally.

The properties on your estate have obviously had p.d. rights removed for garage conversions. This is quite common on new(ish) estates where density is high and on-street parking a problem.

The person who has touted on you has probably had an application of their own turned down.

You will shortly get a letter from your LPA and at that stage, you might wish to have a word with a local planning consultant to see what your options are.

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

It is my opinion that Planning Permission will be granted if you can achieve two off road parking spaces. Can you do that?

The one and only time I failed to get planning permission for such a job (ie a garage conversion where DP rights were removed) was when we could only achieve one space.

 

[Tizwas]

Thank you. We may be able to achieve two off road spaces - it would be right but there may be room!

Does it make any difference that the work we have had done is temporary? Ie a stud wall can be taken down?

We do have an email saying the internal knock through doesn't require planning from the council if that makes a difference but think the issue is going to be about the use if garage!

 

[tony1851]

The breakthrough itself wouldn't need planning permission, only Building Regs (strictly), though the change to habitable use would.

As the bloke above says, you might get p.p. if your council requires at least two off-road parking places. But your idea of the space needed to fit a car may differ from theirs.

 

[Tizwas]

Ok so worst case scenario if we cannot achieve their standards for two off road parking spaces what happens next?

Presume we contact them off the back of the card through the door? Explain the work we have had done? Do they come round to inspect? Do we get told to return to original state or just remove wall? How long Would we have to do this? Does the restriction on parking last forever?

If we can't get the second parking space is there anything we can do to alter what we have done to keep the majority of the work and meet the restriction?

So frustrating when we (and everyone down our street) don't even use our garages as a parking space!

Sorry for lots of questions - this is all new to me!

 

[Tizwas]

We think we may have space for an additional parking space - we have more space than for our current parking space. So do we approach this straight away and would this require planning?

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

Ok so worst case scenario if we cannot achieve their standards for two off road parking spaces what happens next?

Theoretically the worst case scenario is that they will write to you, after a year or so of protracted letters they get an injunction for you to have the works changed, which will be at your expense, and you will foot their legal bill too. Theoretically. But that is incredibly unlikely to happen, its likely IMO that they would never get past the nasty letters bit as it would be seen to not be in the public's interest to pursue it, especially when you go public and get the Daily Mail involved.

Presume we contact them off the back of the card through the door? Explain the work we have had done? Do they come round to inspect? Do we get told to return to original state or just remove wall? How long Would we have to do this? Does the restriction on parking last forever?

Don't do anything until you get the letter. The restriction on parking lasts forever.

If we can't get the second parking space is there anything we can do to alter what we have done to keep the majority of the work and meet the restriction?

I don't see how.

We think we may have space for an additional parking space - we have more space than for our current parking space. So do we approach this straight away and would this require planning?

Wait until they write to you.


When they write to you come back here.