Owain wrote:
Ben Willcox wrote:
Firstly, would this be classed as 'change of use' and require Planning
Permission,


Possibly, it depends on whether the room is currently regarded as
habitable space. The euphemism of 'garden room' and the fact the room is
unfinished suggests that it isn't, and PP may be required. You should
get a Certificate of Permitted Development from the council if PP is not
required, to prove that you complied with everything.


Thanks Owain. My situation seems to be very similar to 'in2minds' post,
so think I should be alright on that front.


and secondly is this work likely to require a building

notice to be submitted?


Yes, certainly. Subdividing a room is notifiable work. You may also have
to comply with insulation (thermal and noise), ventilation, means of
escape, etc.

OK, sounds pretty clear cut and I can't say I'm surprised.


wouldn't it make sense
to submit a building regs notice for everything I can possibly think I
might want to do, so I only pay the fee once instead of every time I
want to do some work?


Yes, but you will not be able to get a completion certificate until
*all* the works are completed. If you were thinking this could take a
couple of years, and you found you had to sell in a hurry (work-related
move, perhaps) you'd have the hassle of revising the application or
completeing all the work, to get the completion certificate to please
any potential buyer.

Ok I imagined this might be the case. I don't plan to move in the
forseeable future, so I'm not too worried about the timescale for the
completion certificate.


Cheers,
Ben