Can I brick up a garage door with a wall and windo

[DevilDamo]

Well yeh... if it wasn't integral then that could have been an option.

A new "window" will require planning permission.

DD are you saying that if you replace the garage door with a window it'll need PP? That's not my understanding.

Well... it would if PD rights have been removed or there's a condition on the original planning approval for the house/garage that stipulates a planning application is required if a garage conversion is to proceed. Or... if it'd within a designated area.

 

[spacecat]

the house is 1930's detached with integral garage

so is the basic feeling that its an ALL or NOTHING job?

either simply replace the doors or do a full Conversion to meet planning/building regs etc

ideally i want to do a partial conversion, mainly the doors to a wall and window and maybe do the rest later

the garage has power and light and a fairly decent ceiling

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

I feel I have to interject here. Most garage conversions do not need planning permission. You have been advised to contact the Planning Department, they are not to be frightened by, they are only human. You do not normally need planning permission to fit a window at the front instead of a garage door unless you have had Permitted Development Rights removed or you live in a Conservation area, your house is listed or other oddity. The Planning Department will (normally) be happy to confirm this over the phone. Whilst Building Control can argue that you are creating a habitable room, I don't think Building Control are likely to get too upset and are unlikely to threaten you and even if they did they are very very unlikely to do anything about it, if they even find out! You may end up with a note on their system saying there has been unauthorised works carried out at your address. Should you ever come to do any other 'official' Building Regs Compliant works at the address that you do get Regs Approval for Building Control will insist you have the works to upgrade your garage conversion legalised. If and when you come to sell, you may have issues raised by the buyers solicitor.

 

[DevilDamo]

To carry out the works "legally", you may require planning permission and/or building regulations. To check if you require planning permission, you should check with your local authrority.

Obviously people have and will carry out these works without obtaining the necessary consents but that will cost time and more money in the long run.

 

[DevilDamo]

The Planning Department will (normally) be happy to confirm this over the phone.

That will help if/when he comes to sell the property...

 

[spacecat]

i have tried calling the buggers but their phones dont seem to work!

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

The Planning Department will (normally) be happy to confirm this over the phone.

That will help if/when he comes to sell the property...

DeveliDamo,

Thousands of people convert their garages without obtaining a Certificate of Lawful Development and go on to sell their houses without any problems. Not every solicitor or purchaser is as thick as sh*t.

 

[spacecat]

spoke to planning in my area and they dont think it will be an issue to block up the doorway and out in a window without doing anything else.

I have to email them to confirm what i want to do

 

[Richard C]

the house is 1930's detached with integral garage

so is the basic feeling that its an ALL or NOTHING job?

either simply replace the doors or do a full Conversion to meet planning/building regs etc

ideally i want to do a partial conversion, mainly the doors to a wall and window and maybe do the rest later

the garage has power and light and a fairly decent ceiling

Under new regulations that came into effect from 1 October 2008 the permitted development regime covering garage conversions changed and planning permission is not usually required, providing the work is internal and does not involve enlarging the building.

This would indicate you do not need PP; unless;

Sometimes permitted development rights have been removed from some properties with regard to garage conversions

and therefore you should contact your local planning authority before proceeding,

This is your next logical move; if nothing has been done to the property that would affect you PDR, you probably won’t need PP. You will need Building Regs. approval if you intend to use it as a habitable space. A habitable space includes;

dining rooms, lounge, kitchen, study and bedrooms, but specifically excludes WC's, bathrooms, utility rooms, landings and hallways

Another link you might like to look at;
http://www.woking.gov.uk/planning/building/guidance/garageconversion

 

[DevilDamo]

The Planning Department will (normally) be happy to confirm this over the phone.

That will help if/when he comes to sell the property...

DeveliDamo,

Thousands of people convert their garages without obtaining a Certificate of Lawful Development and go on to sell their houses without any problems. Not every solicitor or purchaser is as thick as sh*t.

But in the past, there hasn't always been the option of obtaining a Certificate and for the sake of £75, it's very much worth it.

 

[spacecat]

You will need Building Regs. approval if you intend to use it as a habitable space. A habitable space includes;

dining rooms, lounge, kitchen, study and bedrooms, but specifically excludes WC's, bathrooms, utility rooms, landings and hallways

Another link you might like to look at;
http://www.woking.gov.uk/planning/building/guidance/garageconversion[/QUOTE]

our intended (GENUINE) current use will be to put some gym equipment in and for basic storage.

there are 3 of us me,missus and 2.5 yr old in a 4 bed house so we dont really need the room yet. Maybe we will convert and stick him in the garage when he is a 'Am I Bovvered' teenager!

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

The Planning Department will (normally) be happy to confirm this over the phone.

That will help if/when he comes to sell the property...

DeveliDamo,

Thousands of people convert their garages without obtaining a Certificate of Lawful Development and go on to sell their houses without any problems. Not every solicitor or purchaser is as thick as sh*t.

But in the past, there hasn't always been the option of obtaining a Certificate and for the sake of £75, it's very much worth it.

Aye fair point but as we discuss all the time its not just £75, its some plans, eles and loc plan. Will be £20 for the loc plan if OP does his own app otherwise a few hundred.

 

[spacecat]

.[/quote]

Aye fair point but as we discuss all the time its not just £75, its some plans, eles and loc plan. Will be £20 for the loc plan if OP does his own app otherwise a few hundred.[/quote]

Can you say this in plain english?

Do Building regs cost money? Whats the process?

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

Certificate of Lawfulness of Proposed Use or Development.

This is where you wish to confirm that what you are proposing would be lawful i.e. it would not require express planning permission. For example you may need to establish that what you have proposed does not constitute development, is ‘permitted development’, or already has planning permission.

What are the benefits of a Certificate of Lawful Development?

There are benefits in gaining a Certificate of Lawful Use or Development. It is a determination that has legal status providing certainty to prospective developers and purchasers of land and buildings. Certificates of Lawful Use or Development will be particularly beneficial to those participating in the housing market. Solicitors representing purchasers of, for example, extended dwellings, will usually require documentary evidence that extensions such as conservatories are lawful. This evidence may assist with the sale of property. Certificates of Lawful Use or Development also provide the necessary evidence that any works being undertaken are lawful if, for example, a neighbour were to make an enquiry or complaint about the work.

Basically, if you do not get a Certificate when you come to sell your house the buyers solicitor may ask for proof and you may have to apply for a cert in order to complete on the house sale.

Building Regs are a whole different kettle of fish to planning and yes of course it costs money to get an approval.

Have a read through the two links please

Planning http://www.planningportal.gov.uk/england/public/planning/applications/

and Building Regulations http://www.planningportal.gov.uk/england/public/buildingregs/

 

[Richard C]

Another link that may help your understanding of BR's;
http://www.planningportal.gov.uk/uploads/odpm/4000000011249.pdf