I'm not aware of any policy changes. I might be able to get away with digging half the footings without demolishing the garage.
Thanks for your advice!
This is our first build project which will be our retirement home for me and my wife. It has taken us a long time and money to get the planning permission which was finally granted to us in March 2011.
We have not started the build yet due to unforseen set-backs with my job and family...