Planning regs eased

The government is relaxing planning permission rules for homeowners looking to extend up and out.

Under the changes, people planning to extend for the first time will be able to do so without needing to pay to up to £1,000 to be granted specific planning permission.

As a result, some 80,000 of all householder applications will be removed from the planning system each year.

However, larger extension will still need permission.

Housing minister Caroline Flint said: "Today I am scrapping the red tape so it is much easier to convert the loft into that extra bedroom and build on an extension.

"Often people grow out of the family home, but now those who don't really want to move will find it easier to improve instead."

The new rules also affect parking areas – in an attempt to reduce flood risks. New driveways or parking areas over five square metres will not require planning permission if they are constructed using surfaces that allow the water to soak through the ground.

Andrew Warner, spokesperson at the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, said: "An Englishman's home remains very much his castle.

"Household applications are notoriously contentious and there will always be concerns regarding privacy, overlooking and a loss of amenity. It is often not the size of an extension but the ability to overlook which causes contention.
"Part of the government's rationale is to allow people to extend their homes rather than move, but this policy could result in a lack of available small units for first time buyers."

New rules have also been introduced to cover world heritage sites.

All 17 English World Heritage Sites will be upgraded to the same protection levels as conservation areas, national parks and areas of outstanding beauty. Sites including the Tower of London, Hadrian's Wall, Westminster Palace, Maritime Greenwich and Durham Castle will be protected against potentially damaging development.

New home extension rules

Non overbearing loft conversions will be allowed automatic permission.

Terraced houses: loft conversions can be up to 20cm back from the eaves of the roof or have a maximum volume of 40m3.
A single or two storey rear extension can go back a maximum of 3m from the original house.

Semi-detached homes: loft conversions can be up to 20cm back from the eaves of the roof or have a maximum volume of 50m3.
A single or two storey rear extension can go back a maximum of 3m from original house.

Full details are available at http://www.planningportal.gov.uk/uploads/hhg/houseguide.html