Doubling existing garage in width - planning??

Frere Jacques

Hi all,
In the design stages of extending my garage.
It is currently a cavity block structure which had a potting shed built onto the right side of it which ran the length of the garage and was about 1/2 the width. The plan is to tear down the potting shed and extend the garage by approx the same width as the original garage again. Then take the connecting wall down, take off the original garage roof and put an RSJ in place of the connecting wall, then put a double A pitched roof with a central gully running on the RSJ.
From a practical point is that the RSJ will be mounted on pillar at each end, the pillars will be built on the new foundation, not the old 1970s one.

So my question is, would something like this need planning.
1. I won't be changing the purpose of the garage, it's still storage.
2. The new section is behind the house.
3. It's not over looked and will have no windows pointed in the directions of the boundaries.
4. The current roof is a curved clad section which the previous owner put on when the flat roof on it failed. The new roof will not be higher than this.
5. I've discussed it with my neighbour across the road and on either side (estate) and they would be more than happy as the existing roof is very unsightly.
6. The new section would be under 25 sqm and won't affect the open spaces too much as the garden is large.

My fear is that I plow on in ignorance and then some stranger 10 doors down puts in a complaint about the structure in a years time and I have to knock it.
Has anyone applied for an official exemption for planning in a case like this. Paying the 80 notes to apply for one isn't a problem but is that the thin edge of the wedge, would it involve architects drawings etc.
Thanks in advance for any help.

sydthebeat

what is the existing area of the garage?

if its over 12.5 sq m (which it most likely is) then if you double it, you will require permission.

CLASS 3

The construction, erection or placing within the curtilage of a house of any tent, awning, shade or other object, greenhouse, garage, store, shed or other similar structure.

1. No such structure shall be constructed, erected or placed forward of the front wall of a house.

2. The total area of such structures constructed, erected or placed within the curtilage of a house shall not, taken together with any other such structures previously constructed, erected or placed within the said curtilage, exceed 25 square metres.

3. The construction, erection or placing within the curtilage of a house of any such structure shall not reduce the amount of private open space reserved exclusively for the use of the occupants of the house to the rear or to the side of the house to less than 25 square metres.

4. The external finishes of any garage or other structure constructed, erected or placed to the side of a house, and the roof covering where any such structure has a tiled or slated roof, shall conform with those of the house.

5. The height of any such structure shall not exceed, in the case of a building with a tiled or slated pitched roof, 4 metres or, in any other case, 3 metres.

6. The structure shall not be used for human habitation or for the keeping of pigs, poultry, pigeons, ponies or horses, or for any other purpose other than a purpose incidental to the enjoyment of the house as such.

Frere Jacques

Cheers Syd,
I hadn't seen that one but it makes sense. Time to talk to the planning dept.