The conversion of a garage, or part of a garage, into habitable space, will normally require approval under the building regulations.

As part of the garage conversion, it is likely that the original garage door will be in-filled with a new wall and possibly a window or door, and a new foundation may be needed for the new wall. 

As well as the foundation, you also need to consider:

• Floor
• Walls  
• Ventilation

Read more about the building regulations for garage conversions.

Maintenance of fascias and soffit boards such as replacement or painting generally does not require planning permission.

However, if you live in a listed building or designated area (conservation area, national park, area of outstanding natural beauty) you should check with your local planning authority before carrying out any work.

Building regulation approval is not normally required for this work, but you should ensure that the ventilation for the building is not impacted.

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By law, any planning permission granted expires after a certain period. Generally, unless your permission says otherwise, you have three years from the date it's granted to begin the development. If you haven't started work by then, you will probably need to reapply.

Certain types of development are granted planning permission by national legislation without the need to submit a planning application. This is known as 'permitted development'. In order to be eligible for these permitted development rights, each 'class' specified in the legislation has associated limitations and conditions that proposals must comply with.

One such condition on certain classes of permitted development is the need to submit an application to the local planning authority for its 'prior approval; or to determine if it’s 'prior approval' will be required.

This allows the local planning authority to consider the proposals, their likely impacts in regard to certain specific factors (e.g. transport and highways) and how these may be mitigated.

For more information on prior approval, read guidance on prior approval consent types.

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If an outdoor kitchen is not a permanent structure, then planning permission will normally not be required.

Where planning permission is required, it may be granted through permitted development rights, provided it meets the limits set out in legislation. Most outdoor kitchens fall within the set limits unless they are particularly tall or close to a boundary.

While there is no specific permitted development right for ‘outdoor kitchens’ it may be classified as an ‘outbuilding’.

You can view the limitations for outbuildings and outdoor kitchens in the relevant common project

If the structure exceeds the limits set out through permitted development rights, then it will require an application for planning permission.

Different rules may apply if you live in a listed building or conservation area. If this is the case, you may wish to consult your local planning authority.

Read about the building regulations that cover outdoor kitchens.