Internal alterations, working from home, converting a garage

Do I need planning permission for internal alterations?

You do not need planning permission for any alterations that are contained within the home and have no effect on the external appearance of the property. However, you may need Building Regulations and should contact Building Control (Tel: 01727 819218).

Additional points

If your home is a Listed Building you may need Listed Building consent.

Do I need planning permission to work from home?

You do not necessarily need planning permission to work from home. However, if you answer YES to any of the following questions you will probably need to apply for planning permission.

• Will your home no longer be used mainly as a private residents?

• Will the business result in an increase in traffic or visitors?

• Will the business involve any activities unusual to a residential area?

• Will the business disturb your neighbours at unreasonable hours of the day or night or create other forms of nuisance such as noise or smells?

Do I need planning permission to convert my garage to a habitable room?

You will not  need planning permission to convert your garage to a habitable room providing the work is internal and does not involve enlarging the building, unless a planning condition has been imposed on your property which states that no internal or external alterations can take place, which would preclude its use for the housing of motor vehicles. This information will be with your decision notice. If you no longer have this you can check the history of your property at the Council Offices during normal office hours. (Monday - Thursday 9.00am - 5.00pm, Friday 9.00am - 4.30pm) or in Harpenden (Monday - Friday 10.00am - 4.00pm).

Where work is proposed to a Listed Building, you may require Listed Building Consent.

Note: The conversion of a garage to a liveable space will normally require approval under the Building Regulations.