Can You Change The Use Of A Property From An Annexe To A Separate Dwelling?

Converting an annexe into a separate dwelling can be a great way to increase the living space of your home and provide a place for extended family, guests or even rental income. But how do you go about making this change legally? In this blog post, we’ll look at the steps you need to take to successfully convert an annexe into a separate dwelling in the UK.

Can You Change The Use Of A Property From An Annexe To A Separate Dwelling?

Yes, you can change the use of an annexe to a separate dwelling. In fact, according to the national planning rules set out in the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) in 2018, it has been made easier to convert annexes to separate dwellings.

Changing the use of an annexe to a separate dwelling in the UK is a relatively straightforward process, but it does require careful planning and adherence to various regulations.

The first step is to research your local planning authority’s regulations on the change of use. Every local authority has its own rules, so it is important to find out what is allowed in your area. You can usually find this information on your local council’s website or by contacting their planning department.

Once you have established the rules for your area, you will need to apply for permission for the change of use. Depending on your local regulations, this may involve filling out a form, submitting a planning application and potentially undergoing a site visit from the local council.

You will also need to ensure that any proposed changes meet the necessary building regulations, such as fire safety standards. If you are making structural changes, you may need to submit detailed plans and get approval from a qualified professional.

Finally, once you have received permission from your local council and met all the building regulations, you can go ahead with the change of use. Make sure you follow the instructions provided by your local authority, as failure to do so could result in fines or other penalties.

How Do You Change An Annexe To A Separate Dwelling?

If you are looking to change the use of an annexe to a separate dwelling, you will need to obtain a change of use from the Planning Permission. Depending on the circumstances, this may be a simple process, or it could require a more detailed application.

You will also need to make sure that your annexe meets all building regulations and is up to standard for living. This means ensuring the structure is sound, has all the necessary utilities, and is safe for people to inhabit. Depending on the existing condition of the annexe, this could involve making major changes, such as adding a kitchen, bathroom, and bedrooms. 

When applying for the change of use, you will also need to provide evidence that the annexe will be used solely as a separate dwelling. For example, you may need to submit a rental agreement or other proof of occupancy to demonstrate that the annexe will not be used for any other purpose. 

Finally, you should consult with your Local Planning Authority to ensure that you are meeting all of their requirements when it comes to submitting your application. They will be able to provide further guidance on what documents and information you need to provide.

How Does A Property Classify As A Separate Dwelling?

To be classified as a separate dwelling, the property in question should meet the following conditions:

• it should either be built or adapted in a way that it can be used as a separate living accommodation
• it should have independent cooking, toilet and washing facilities; that are not linked or shared with the main home 
• it should have its own entrance from the main home; which could either be an external door on the property or a door connecting through a landing or hallway from the main home

Conclusion:

This discussion brings us to the conclusion that an annexe can be converted to a separate dwelling by applying for a change of use. However, there are certain conditions to abide by and permission to be taken from local council authorities. The details of this process are discussed in detail in the article above. 

References:

When Is An Annex A Separate Dwelling? – iHUS

New Government policy helps turn granny annexes into separate homes – Vision Planning