We have an integrated garage which the previous owner part converted almost 9 years ago. The front 1m depth of the garage is in its original state with a garage door, and this is used for storing bikes etc, behind this is the converted room. This work was signed off and certified by building control at the time.
I was looking to convert the remaining front 1m section and brick up the garage door and insert a window, so I contacted the council. I was told there was a condition that stated the garage has to be used as a garage, and that whilst the work was signed off, it required planning permission. The 10yr rule and not the 4yr rule is applicable, so they could turn around to enforce this, or even force me to revert to original garage.
I was also told that another potential issue with getting permission was that I'd need to find an additional car parking space, as converting the garage would effectively mean losing one. Currently I have space for 2 cars on the driveway, so finding a 3rd space would be a problem (we only have 2 cars). Apparently the conversion would also mean that it would be classed as a 4th bedroom (I'd use it as an office), which is another reason for needing 3 car spaces.
Do I apply for full planning permission now or wait until the 10yr limit has come up? I'm assuming there wouldn't be anything stopping me from doing the work mentioned above after 10yrs, as technically it's no longer a garage. There is also the issue about parking if I do apply for planning permission.
Thanks for your advice.
I was looking to convert the remaining front 1m section and brick up the garage door and insert a window, so I contacted the council. I was told there was a condition that stated the garage has to be used as a garage, and that whilst the work was signed off, it required planning permission. The 10yr rule and not the 4yr rule is applicable, so they could turn around to enforce this, or even force me to revert to original garage.
I was also told that another potential issue with getting permission was that I'd need to find an additional car parking space, as converting the garage would effectively mean losing one. Currently I have space for 2 cars on the driveway, so finding a 3rd space would be a problem (we only have 2 cars). Apparently the conversion would also mean that it would be classed as a 4th bedroom (I'd use it as an office), which is another reason for needing 3 car spaces.
Do I apply for full planning permission now or wait until the 10yr limit has come up? I'm assuming there wouldn't be anything stopping me from doing the work mentioned above after 10yrs, as technically it's no longer a garage. There is also the issue about parking if I do apply for planning permission.
Thanks for your advice.