Planning condition for 2 cars in garage - can I get away with 1?

[Berkshire_selfbuild]

Hi all. My self build is progressing well - at 2nd lift wall plate stage. It occurred to me that I have a planning condition to ensure the garage is used as per plans for 2 cars, along side 2 further parking spaces on the drive. I wanted to use part of the garage as a ‘plant area’ to house water cylinder, water softener, Solar PV Batteries etc, which would mean that the garage would only have space for 1 car. I do however have space for at least 4-5 cars on the driveway comfortably (ignoring the grass areas). I have shown red highlight for areas on plans for parking as it currently stands.  Below is the planning condition. Should I email the LPA for permission to reduce parking in garage? Or could that open up a can of worms? Would BC use their own judgement do final sign off knowing that there is plentiful parking on the driveway? Thanks! 😀

 

‘…the garage accommodation on the site identified on the approved plans shall be kept available for the parking of vehicles ancillary to the residential use of the site at all times. It shall not be used for any business nor as habitable space.

Reason: To ensure that adequate parking space is available on the site, so as to reduce the likelihood of roadside parking…’

 

 

[ProDave]

Put all your "plant" stuff along the back wall of the garage, and I bet you will still fit 2 cars in there.

[Bramco]

Tell them you're being smart and have made space for 2 Smart for 2's.....

[JohnMo]

29 minutes ago, Berkshire_selfbuild said:

water softener, Solar PV Batteries etc

They take up to the part of zero space, so not seeing an issue. But do you really want your softener in an unheated and uninsulated space?

 

If you have a utility put the softener on there?

 

Cylinder same again, in an uninsulated space? Wouldn't be my first choice. Slimline cylinder is only about 450mm diameter. Can't you find space inside the house?

[Blooda]

BC will not be bothered about the driveway, and will more than likely sign it off without the external being complete. 

Planning will only be bothered about getting your council tax, and you will have the opposite argument trying to convince them the house is not finished.

Warranty will want to see final outside level gives at least 6 below damp course.

 

 

 

[Berkshire_selfbuild]

Thanks all for your advice. I’m taking away with confidence that I should be fine without the need to get LPA involved. As mentioned, the items can be installed up against far wall and still allow parking of 2 cars, especially as the LPA have not specified sizing of cars etc - could easily fit many smarts cars in there! Cheers.

[Bancroft]

Is the garage flat roof or pitched?  Could be space in the roof area for some kit.

 

Also, general feeling on here and talking to architects seems to be that Planners don't care what happens after they've given approval (unless a neighbour complains) and BCOs don't care what the planners say, so...

[Mr Punter]

You don't need to do anything. The only issue may be if you have parked cars in the road and the council become involved.

[LDNRennovation]

You need parking spaces and turning for (looks like) 4 spaces, it doesn’t matter if they are on the drive or in the garage. You can extend the turn on the left to allow for another space if necessary. The LPA won’t care.

[Mr Punter]

Bear in mind that the planners often want you to be able to go in and out in a forward gear, so you will need space on site for turning.  You may do well to extend the driveway / parking areas.