Proposed new powers will make it easier for hard working families to make home improvements in a way that also protects the amenity of neighbours, Planning Minister Nick Boles has announced.

The reforms would, for a time limited period, slash planning red tape, sweep away unnecessary rules and bureaucracy and help tens of thousands of homeowners and companies.

The vast majority of the 200,000 homeowner applications submitted each year are uncontroversial. Almost 90 per cent are approved but still have to go through an application process that is often costly and creates delays.

In many cases the current system adds little value yet forces homeowners wishing to extend their home more than a few metres from the property's rear wall to fill in complicated application forms that can take eight weeks or longer for the council to consider.


A consultation paper published proposes making it quicker, easier and cheaper to build small-scale single-storey extensions and conservatories by extending permitted development rights.

The Minister made clear that safeguards will remain to ensure any impact on neighbours and communities is acceptable. The new rights will not apply in protected areas such as National Parks, conservation areas, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and Sites of Special Scientific Interest and do not remove the requirement for separate listed building consent.

Permitted development only covers the planning aspects of development and does not remove requirements under other regimes, such as building regulations, the Party Wall Act or environmental legislation.

Mr Boles said: "These proposed reforms will make it easier for thousands of hard working families to undertake home improvements to cater for a growing family or to build a conservatory.

"Homeowners and businesses must be allowed to meet their aspirations for improving their homes and premises but this won't be at the expense of neighbours, communities and protected areas."

(CD)