Garage Conversions - Building Approval

The need for planning approval is a grey area with many Council Planning Departments – policy varies from council to council, so what is considered 'Permitted Development' in one area requires 'Full Planning Approval' in another.

This is often due to council concerns over the loss of car parking space. Sometimes approval is given on the condition that part of the front yard is paved to create additional parking.

Here at Anglian we always start by applying for Full Planning Approval and Full Building Regulation Approval on all conversions to ensure your interests are best safeguarded.

We can even do the driveway for you too if you need it!

Click on the links below for more information on the Building Approval process

Guarantees and Certification

You can rest assured that all Anglian's work is guaranteed and covered by Full Planning & Building Regulation Approval.

These planning permissions also certify issues such as:

• Safety and fire regulations
• Insulation and heating considerations
• Soundproofing

Penalties for Non-Compliance

It's vital that your conversion obtains any relevant permissions and meets all building regulations, as the penalties for non-compliance can be severe.

If the correct procedures aren't followed then problems usually arise when the property is put up for sale. Where formal planning approval can't be produced, the homeowner has to apply for retrospective approval. This takes time, and will often cause the sale to fall through.

The greatest worry is that if the approval is rejected, the converted room will have to be turned back into a garage – not only a heartbreaking expense but one that would substantially lower the value of your property.

Building Control Approval

The other significant hurdle is Building Control Approval.

Before a sale can proceed the homeowner needs to show that all major works to their property comply with current regulations, especially with respect to electrical and gas installations.

That's where you can feel secure with Anglian, as we have significant expertise in this area and can make sure that all this is taken care of for you.

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