Homeowners in England are given green light to build large rear extensions without planning permission
Homeowners in England are being given the green light to build larger extensions without planning permission, BBC reported.
Temporary rules, which allowed bigger single-storey rear extensions without a full planning application, are being made permanent.
Additions to terraced and semi-detached homes can be up to 6m, while detached houses will be able to add even larger structures, up to 8m long.
Neighbours will still be consulted and can raise objections to extensions.
Since 2013, 110,000 people have taken advantage of the temporary rules, which doubled the previous limits of extensions that didn’t require planning permission from the local authority.
Instead of waiting possibly months for approval, homeowners notify the council of the building work beforehand, and council officials inform the neighbours.
If they raise concerns, the council decides if the extension is likely to harm the character or enjoyment of the area, and may block the plans.
The Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government said it was also removing other planning rules to allow business owners to respond to changes in England’s high streets.
It means shops can be converted into office space without a full planning application being made.
Shops, offices and betting shops will also be able to temporarily change to community uses such as libraries or public halls.
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