Skip to content

Planning Permission

Planning permission is not usually required, providing the work is internal and does not involve enlarging the building.

If your intention is to convert a garage into a separate house (regardless of who will occupy it), then planning permission may be required no matter what work is involved. We advise that you discuss such proposals with your local planning authority to ensure that any work you do is lawful and correctly approved.

Find your local planning authority

Sometimes permitted development rights have been removed from some properties with regard to garage conversions and therefore you should contact your local planning authority before proceeding, particularly if you live on a new housing development or in a conservation area.

Where work is proposed to a listed building, listed building consent may be required.

Please note: The permitted development allowances described here apply to houses and not to:

  • Flats and maisonettes (view our guidance on flats and maisonettes1
  • Converted houses or houses created through the ‘permitted development’ rights for:
  • Other buildings
  • Areas where there may be a planning condition, Article 4 Direction or other restriction that limits permitted development rights.

Things to consider

You may find it helpful to use the following third-party commercial service to plan your home improvement project:

This link will take you to information about their services.

  1. https://www.planningportal.co.uk/permission/home-improvement/planning-consultancy-calculator

Find a Trade Professional

Use our partner directories from CIAT, FMB or RTPI to find an chartered architectural technologist, builder or planning consultant to help with your project or development.

Find a professional


Useful links

Make an application Studio Charrette planning consultancy calculator
    1. https://www.planningportal.co.uk/permission/common-projects/flats-and-maisonettes
    2. https://www.planningportal.co.uk/permission/common-projects/change-of-use

    The Planning Portal is delivered by PortalPlanQuest Limited which is a joint venture between TerraQuest Solutions Limited and the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government (MHCLG). All content © 2024 Planning Portal.

    The Planning Portal is delivered by PortalPlanQuest Limited which is a joint venture between TerraQuest Solutions Limited and the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government (MHCLG). All content © 2024 Planning Portal.