Change of Use

[G1nzo]

Found a House we want to buy

The owner has changed the Internal Garage into a Bedroom
but has left the garage doors in place so from the front of the house it still
looks a garage
Inside these doors is a 4ft storage area which houses Gas and Electric meters

He has not applied for planning permission or change of use
Are these required
Nor does he have any certification ie Building regs for the work done
Showing the construction or details of insulation

We want to change this room into a large bathroom
but are afraid this will come back to bite us if we inform the council

Words of wisdom any one ??

 

[tony1851]

Planning permission for this type of work is not usually required as it is not a change of use ie still residential.
(This is assuming the council has not applied an Art. 4 direction requiring planning permission - this often applies on new housing estates).
It would require Building Regulations approval as it is a material alteration.
The council cannot enforce under Building Regulations after one year has elapsed after completion.

 

[^woody^]

There may be a condition regarding garage conversions.

Garage conversions hidden by garage doors have no time limits for enforcement.

 

[tony1851]

There may be a condition regarding garage conversions.

Garage conversions hidden by garage doors have no time limits for enforcement.

Good point - that must be the principle of the house hidden by straw bales.
Applies to Planning contravention, but not sure about Building Regs?

 

[Leofric]

If you are changing the 'bedroom' to a bathroom won't you want to ensure it complies with bldg. regs by submitting an application anyway

 

[Notch7]

Garage conversions hidden by garage doors have no time limits for enforcement.

I never knew that!

There must be 1,000s of them

 

[^woody^]

I never knew that!

There must be 1,000s of them

They should all be dobbed in.

But most conversions will be exempt from planning or permitted development, it's only if there is a condition on the property removing any PD rights or making all work subject to an application.

 

[G1nzo]

Had this from the builder who completed the work


Floor was raised in garage 18 inches. Concrete based and damp liner then concrete again.
Stud wall was double breeze block with insulation in cavity. All internal walls were double plastered. New double glazed window installed.
Radiator was installed by British Gas when they put in new boiler March 2018.
Ceiling was re-appointed with plaster board and plastered. He confirmed that he always complied to building/ fire regs.

Any help

 

[Leofric]

Stud wall was double breeze block with insulation in cavity.

That isn't a stud wall, but I would want a bit more information from the builder on the construction apart from
' He confirmed that he always complied to building/ fire regs.'