Garage used as living space
If you want to know how your DIY projects could be affected by building and planning regulations, click here to post questions and view answers

3 posts   •   Page 1 of 1
Swansea_Jo
Labourer
Labourer
Posts: 1
Joined: Fri Jan 06, 2012 7:45 pm

Garage used as living space

by Swansea_Jo » Fri Jan 06, 2012 7:49 pm

Our next door neighbour has a garage which has been coverted to a living room type arrangement. The doors have gone and havee replaced with a stadard UPVC type door but hte side, which faces our garden has double sliding doors which are non frosted and over look our garden. Does this require any kind of permissions?

Not trying to be funny with him but don't fany being over looked

Thanks

welsh brickie
Project Manager
Project Manager
Posts: 2610
Joined: Sat Apr 12, 2008 8:54 am

Re: Garage used as living space

by welsh brickie » Sat Jan 07, 2012 4:10 pm

building control needed to be informed for this conversion.You can inform the council anonymously

tony.g
Apprentice
Apprentice
Posts: 15
Joined: Fri Dec 16, 2011 6:17 pm

Re: Garage used as living space

by tony.g » Fri Jan 13, 2012 9:58 pm

if the garage has been converted to be used as a habitable room, it would need specific planning permission. Normally, separate outbuildings do not need planning permission if they are "incidental to the enjoyment of the dwelling". This includes such uses as a garage, keeping of pets/animals, or as a store for garden tools or large toys for kids etc. The use as what amounts to an additional living room is excluded from the scope of permitted development, and your council planning department would advise on this.
Separately, such a change of use to a habitable room would also need Building Regulations approval, if the room could be used as sleeping accommodation. This is only academic because the use you describe would still need planning permission, even if it was adapted to comply with Building Regulations.

3 posts   •   Page 1 of 1