If you have been put off your ideas for a loft extension or conservatory because of the potential nightmare of planning laws, then the Government's proposals to reform the system may offer you some hope.
Basements, loft conversions with dormer windows, conservatories, extensions and minor eco improvements could all become much easier developments for homeowners in the future with proposed sweeping changes to the planning system.
The changes are part of the Government's proposal for a reform of local town and country systems, as outlined in the 'Planning for a Sustainable Future: White Paper'.
Why the Planning Legislation Changes?
Rising house prices are preventing growing families from moving while planning restrictions prevent minor adaptation of their existing homes. There has been a huge growth of householder planning applications. From 2004-2005 planning authorities received 340,000 planning applications for householder developments and 87% of householder applications were granted. Appeals against decisions have almost doubled since 2000.
Despite the current system allowing many minor household improvements to go ahead without planning restrictions, there is a huge pressure on the local planning control departments that are not reasourced to cope with the increase in demand. A recent review also found the current planning system stopped householders understanding what did and didn't need planning consent without getting clearance from a local authority.
With the increased focus on envirnomental concerns the changes are aiming to support homeowners wanting to tackle climate change with improvements which would increase energy efficiency - for example, installing solar panels or wind turbines.
Everybody needs good neighbours - especially now!
Currently regulations are part-based on the size of the development, often measured in terms of 'volume limits'. The main proposal is to remove volume limits as a deciding factor and focus more on its 'impact'. According to the Government review, for most this will mean needing to consult at least the immediate neighbours, but could also extend to the local community.
The removal of strict rules based purely on volume is likely to ease the progress of many householder improvements, however there are likely to be other consequences. If you want to convert your loft you should start by convincing your neighbours - might not always be easy!
Image: Summer house extension by AM Architectural Design Ltd
Development guidelines
The following is an example of how future developments could be classified, where not requiring planning consent under the new proposals:
Single Story Rear Extensions
No size limit providing it complies with certain criteria
Not within x metres of any boundary
Not higher than y metres within z metres of any boundary
Not to exceed (say) 50% of original garden area
Not to include a raised terrace or balcony
Existing protections, however, such as those for Listed Buildings, will still apply.
It is possible that a few new controls will come in too. One area highlighted by the review is the increasing paving-over of front gardens with 'non-porous material' to increase parking space. It said that where this occurs on a widespread basis it can increase the run-off rate putting pressure on drainage systems and increasing flood risk.
Check back for more updates on Planning Legislation changes as and when we get them!