Planning Permission for Conversion Projects

Conversion projects offer a superb way to create a unique and characterful home. Buildings suitable for conversion are often in locations, both urban or rural, where it would be impossible to build a new house. Converting an existing structure is also environmentally friendly, as you’re recycling the energy and materials that went into the original building.

But getting planning permission for conversions isn’t always as straightforward as a new build. So, what are the likely planning issues and the best way to deal with them?

Conversion basics

When you find a building to convert you must be sure it’s capable of providing the accommodation you want, in terms of number of rooms, room sizes and heights. Particularly if the building is old or listed, scope for substantial internal or external change may be limited.

Remember that planning permission is generally granted for conversion primarily as a means to preserve the property and this can significantly constrain your freedom for design innovation. Check your council’s planning policies that apply to conversions in their Local Development Framework.

Get a structural survey done as soon as possible. Is the building capable of being converted or does it really need rebuilding? Does it need underpinning, a new roof, re-built walls, and so on? Will it be possible to bring the building up to building regulations standards in terms of insulation and natural light? The survey is an essential first step in sorting out a realistic budget for your project.

Urban conversions

In cities, towns and villages there are less likely to be restrictions on alterations and additions to existing buildings, but there may well be restrictions on the types of uses that can be lost to conversion. For example, village and neighbourhood shops and pubs, offices in town centres and shops in main retail streets.

Always check in the Local Development Framework what policies apply to the location of your building. If in doubt, get confirmation from a planning officer. Evidence of unsuccessful marketing for a period of six months or a year can be sufficient to overcome policy restrictions protecting the building’s current use.

The post Planning Permission for Conversion Projects appeared first on Build It.

Article reference Planning Permission for Conversion Projects