Responding to new laws laid in Parliament today which will mean
full planning applications will not be required to demolish and
rebuild unused buildings as homes, and will allow homeowners to
add up to two additional storeys to their home to create new
homes or more living space, Local Government Association housing
spokesman, Cllr David Renard, said:
“The planning system is not a barrier to housebuilding with nine
in 10 planning applications approved by councils. It gives local
communities the power to shape the area they live in and provides
an effective means of balancing the interests of homeowners and
their neighbours.
“Neighbours have the right to a say on development and should not
be exposed to the potential of unsightly large-scale unsuitable
extensions being built unchallenged and without scrutiny in their
communities.
“Taking further planning powers away from communities and
councils will only deprive them of the ability to define the area
they live in and know best. It risks giving developers the
freedom to ride roughshod over local areas with communities
having no way of ensuring they meet high quality standards,
provide any affordable homes as part of the development or ensure
supporting infrastructure such as roads, schools and health
services are in place.
“It is vital that councils and local communities have a voice in
the planning process and are able to oversee all local
developments.”
