Burden eased for council planners

Easing of rules for extensions

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New planning regulations mean that from October most homeowners will no longer need to get council planning permission when extending their homes.

The changes, announced by Housing and Planning Minister Caroline Flint, will allow people to build both up and out for the first time without needing to pay to up to £1,000 for specific planning permission.

As a result, a quarter of all householder applications (80,000) will be removed from the planning system each year, potentially saving the nation up to £50m.

The new rules strike a balance between freeing homeowners to make improvements and limiting the size of an extension so the neighbours are protected - larger more intrusive extensions will still require permission.

Ms Flint said she was scrapping red tape to make it easier to convert the loft or build on an extension.

"The new rules will cut out planning permission for about 80,000 households a year and crucially saving as much as £1000 in some cases - a real difference to already stretched family finances making home improvement an increasingly attractive option.

"Often people grow out of the family home, but now those who don't really want to move will find it easier to improve instead."

The Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI), Local Government Association and Planning Officers Society had called for clearer guidance on what developments do not need planning permission.

Their pleas have come as the deadline passed last Friday for the consultation into the Killian Pretty review charged by ministers with drawing up a blueprint into how the planning process can be streamlined.

A Local Government Association spokesman said: "We would be keen for council planners to be freed up."