In a wide-reaching package of reforms, rights allowing
larger home extensions have been made permanent,
following its introduction in 2013.
In addition, restrictive planning rules have also been
axed, which will ensure business owners can respond
quickly to changing trends on the high street.
Today’s news gives homeowners certainty to make plans
to extend their homes this summer without a full
planning application, while providing consideration of
the impact on neighbours.
Under the rules, homeowners can put a single-storey
rear extension on their property of up to 6 metres for
terraced or semi-detached homes, or 8 metres for
detached homes.
Over 110,000 extensions have been completed since 2014
under the previously temporary rules. Today’s
announcement will mean more families can ensure their
homes meet their specific needs.
Housing Minister MP said:
These measures will help families extend their
properties without battling through time-consuming
red tape.
By making this permitted development right permanent,
it will mean families can grow without being forced
to move.
This is part of a package of reforms to build more,
better, faster and make the housing market work - and
sits alongside our drive to deliver 300,000 homes a
year by the mid 2020s.
This step will make it easier for families to build
outwards rather than go through the arduous process of
moving to a larger home.
As part of the reforms, permitted development rights
will also give business owners on the high street
greater flexibility as they respond to changing trends
in customer spending.
Shops will now be able to change to office space
without the need for a full planning application,
bringing skilled professionals and their disposable
income back to the high street and help support
neighbouring traders by increasing local footfall.
High Streets Minister MP said:
This fantastic news joins our £675
million Future High
Streets Fund and our High Streets Task Force
in ensuring our country’s high streets are fit to
thrive not just now, but in the years to come.
Giving greater certainty to property owners and the
wider industry, it will also help businesses adjust
to the changing needs of the consumer.
The move builds upon changes to the law which allow
business owners to change the use of buildings from
takeaways to new homes without undergoing a full
planning application.
To help deliver a greater mix of uses on the high
street, the changes also allow the temporary change of
use from high street uses such shops, offices, and
betting shops to certain community uses such as a
library or public hall.
