Garage Conversion to a Craft Room and Utility Space

The client approached Planning By Design to convert an existing detached garage into a craft room and utility space for everyday domestic use.

Following a feasibility assessment, our team prepared the architectural drawings and planning statement to support an application for a Lawful Development Certificate. The proposal included an internal partition, replacement of the garage door with matching brickwork and a window, and a rooflight to bring natural light into the craft room. The garage’s footprint, height and roof form would remain unchanged.

The application demonstrated that the converted space would remain incidental to the main home, without creating a separate dwelling or commercial premises. The planning statement also assessed the external alterations against the relevant permitted development requirements.

The Lawful Development Certificate was approved.

Drawings & Planning Documents

ruqaya robins

November 1, 2026

Mark Read of Planning By Design has been amazing from the word go. We are at the first stages of having an extension built at the side of our house and Mark has explained the procedure in full detail. At first I was confused by several aspects of the process but every question, no matter how minor, has been attended to so far. I have full confidence that Planning By Design has been the right choice to make to satisfy all the requirements related to planning appraisal, building regulations, and structural engineering calculations. The company has already provided positive advice on the feasibility of the project for which I am grateful.

Andy Chan

September 23, 2026

I approached this architectural firm after previous owner’s planning application for a dropped kerb on a classified road had been refused. Knowing the complexity of the planning process and the challenges involved, I wanted an experienced professional to assess the situation properly and prepare a strong application. From the outset, they provided a thorough planning appraisal and feasibility report, clearly explaining the planning constraints, relevant policies, and the likelihood of success. Their knowledge of highway and planning requirements was evident throughout, and they were able to identify key issues that had contributed to the previous refusal. The report was detailed, well-researched, and professionally presented, giving both me confidence that the proposal had been carefully considered. Communication was excellent throughout the process. I would highly recommend their services to anyone requiring planning.

Lucy Locket

September 10, 2026

Planning By Design are a brilliant team – I can’t praise them highly enough, both personally and for their meticulous, skilful work. I had no idea how wonderful they’d really be. I’d expected them to reproduce more or less what I’d sent (a sketch of a small piece of land, some photos, and my problem) and just put it into the necessary jargon. Boy oh boy, I couldn’t have been more wrong: it was like Mozart turning ‘Twinkle, twinkle, little star’ into a symphony. Planning By Design produced an awesome planning application that explained to the Council my problem in an excellent way, what laws support me in it, together with architectural maps and drawings. (I’m in an AONB, and didn’t want to risk possible objections & repercussions further down the line. Neighbours advised me just to go ahead without mentioning it to the Council because they’d almost certainly say no, but I’d have been living in a ticking timebomb!) Planning By Design have now sent me the Council’s thumbs up to go ahead. I’m on cloud nine. They’re a fantastic team – so professional, as well as patient and good-humoured, and know just what to do and how to do it. I’ll recommend them to anyone wanting to carry out works to their property with a peaceful mind rather than just hoping for the best!!!

Amy Ralph

August 21, 2026

recommends

This is our first big home project and we had no clue where to start, or of the process. PBD helped us from the beginning to do the neccessary checks that what we wanted to do was possible, did our drawings and plans for us, and even did the application to the council which went on to get accepted first time. The whole process was made to feel 'smooth' and took all stress away from us, knowing that all steps were being undertaken in the right way which was what ultimately led to our application getting accepted so quickly as they did everything to the correct requirements of our council. We would not hesitate to recommend on to others, and if we were to do any further projects we will be sure to use again. Thank you to all involved.

Garage Conversion to a Craft Room and Utility Space

Drawings & Planning Documents

Diane R. Barto