Government consults to relax planning rules for house extensions

The consultation paper (32-page / 222KB PDF) sets out proposals to increase the size limit for permitted single-storey extensions from four metres in depth to eight metres for detached houses and from three metres to six metres for all other houses.

The size limit for permitted extensions to shops, offices and professional and financial services establishments is increased from 50 square metres to 100 sq m for a three year period under the proposals.

The proposals aim to make it "quick, easier and cheaper" to build small-scale single-storey extensions while still respecting the amenity of neighbours, the DCLG said in the paper. It estimates that the plans will benefit up to 40,000 families a year and bring extra work for local construction companies and small traders.

Under the plans, the savings a homeowner could make on the planning application process could be up to £2,470, the DCLG said. This includes £150 saved on planning application fees and a number of indirect savings such as professional fees and time spent gathering and presenting information. 

"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," said Planning Minister Nick Boles in a statement. "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."

Boles said that safeguards will remain to ensure any impact on neighbours and communities is acceptable. He also clarified that 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 they do not remove the requirement for separate listed building consent.

The Government first announced the proposals in September as part of its major housing and planning reform package. The Liberal Democrats carried a motion opposing the plans at their annual party conference in September and warned that the measures could cause neighbourhood disputes and lasting damage to the built environment.

The Local Government Association (LGA) has also raised concerns over the plans, saying it could lead to inappropriate development which would have otherwise been improved through the planning process.

"This policy potentially gives the green light to unsightly and out-of-place development without delivering a big enough boost to the construction industry to justify the potential damage," said LGA Environment and Housing Board Chairman, Mike Jones, in a statement.

"Councils approve almost 90 per cent of householder planning applications. The approval rate is so high because the planning process works to ensure development is suitable for a local area and doesn't unduly impact neighbours. Loosening rules around extensions would eliminate this vital mediation process in a large number of cases." 

"The 22,000 applications which are rejected each year are knocked back for good reasons and it would be totally wrong if extensions, which were previously rejected due to objections from neighbours or because they were judged to blight the neighbourhood, could now sneak back in unimpeded," Jones said.

The consultation will run from 12 November to 24 December 2012.