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Do I need planning permission to convert my garage into a workshop?
If the garage will remain in domestic use - for example, as a personal hobby or home workshop - then planning permission is typically not required.
However, it’s important to check whether there are any planning conditions, covenants, or restrictions attached to your property or the garage itself that may limit or prevent conversion.
Read about planning permission for garage conversions on Planning Portal.
Common Questions
Planning permission is not required to move an internal doorway, provided it does not impact the external appearance of the building. If the building is listed, you will require listed building consent for any changes to the building.
Building regulations may apply if the wall is load bearing or is part of a fire escape route.
Read more about windows and doors from our common projects.
Once you submit your application it will be considered by the local planning authority. The Planning Portal does not have access to the application once it is submitted.
You will need to contact your local planning authority to check on the progress of any submitted application. Many authorities now let you track the progress of applications on their own council websites.
Your local authority’s contact details and website address can be found by using our local authority search.
A ‘P certificate’ may refer to confirmation that electrical installations within a building are compliant with Approved Document P of the building regulations.
An electrician who is Part P certified is able to self-certify domestic work they complete, meaning you do not have to submit a building notice. To ensure your electrician is Part P certified, use a registered competent person.
Balconies, verandas and raised platforms will often require planning permission as they do not fall under permitted development rights.
An exception to this is Juliet balconies which do not have any external access or platform, allowing them to be classed as permitted development.
A raised platform of under 0.3 metres is also allowed without planning permission, this may be an area with slightly raised decking.
When applying for planning permission for a balcony it is important to consider your neighbours privacy and garden. The features and location of the property may have a significant impact. If the building is listed or in a conservation area, then this may have a bearing on any decisions.
Planning permission is not required for the installation of a stair lift, however, if you live in a listed building, you will have to apply for listed building consent for any significant works, whether internal or external.
Stairlifts must be installed in line with BS EN 81-40:2020 which focuses on safety requirements for the installation of stairlifts.
