Planning permission is not normally required to convert a garage into additional living accommodation provided that:
- The additional accommodation would be incidental to the main use of the dwelling (i.e. home study or playroom) and a separate or independent unit of accommodation is not created;
- The works are internal, and no extensions are required to carry out the works;
- If a garage door needs to be replaced by a window the window is of a similar appearance and finish to those already used on the dwelling and is flush with the wall i.e. not a bay window.
Sometimes permitted development rights have been removed with regards to garage conversions and this is particularly likely to be true if you live on a modern housing development. If you require further advice on whether planning permission is required for your proposed garage conversion, the Council offers a pre-application advice service.