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Q&As
Do I Really Need Planning to Convert my Garage?
I've read that you can convert garages under permitted development rights. I have a triple garage (cavity wall) built in my garden and have been told I have to apply for planning permission. Why is this? My garden is over an acre and it sits well away from the neighbouring property.
One Answer
In most cases, converting a garage into living accommodation, such as a living room, bedroom or home office, does not fall under the definition of ‘development’ at all, and therefore does not need planning permission. This is provided the conversion involves internal changes only and the new accommodation is used by the family in the main house, and not as a new home for a separate household.
If you do want external changes, such as new windows, they may fall under your permitted development rights. If not, you will need planning permission for them. Permitted development rights are not automatic – you must meet fairly strict criteria. If in doubt, check with a planning consultant or your local council.
If you intend the outbuilding to be occupied by a different household as its own separate dwelling (if you intend to let it out, for example), you will need planning permission for a change of use.
There can be other reasons why a garage conversion requires planning permission. If the garage was built following a grant of planning permission sometime in the past, there may be a condition on that planning permission taking away your right to convert it into living accommodation in the future.
If the council continues to insist that you need planning permission and you don’t know why, ask them for a clear explanation.
Martin Gaine (Build It planning expert)