Builders Merchants Journal – BMJ Publishing to Builders Merchants and the UK merchanting industry for more than 95 years
Planning rules are to be relaxed in an attempt to provide a short-term boost for the building sector, the Government will announce today.
Homeowners and businesses will, for a limited time, be able to build much bigger extensions without planning permission than at present, under the changes to be unveiled today.
The new Permitted Development Rights will make it easier to extend a property since full planning permission will only now be needed for those extending beyond six or eight metres from the rear wall of the property, depending on whether it is terraced or detached. The current rule is 3m.
The aim is to make it easier for people to extend their homes and help kick-start the economy.
Other measures included are:
Nick Clegg, Deputy Prime Minister said: “This is a Coalition Government, determined to get on with the job of delivering a healthier economy. Today’s major boost to housing and planning will make it easier to build a home, easier to buy a first home and easier to extend a home.
“A boost that will get Britain building again. Building thousands of affordable homes and generating thousands of new jobs.”
