The opening up of planning restrictions announced at the end of May 2019 could be good news for the UK’s housing market.
The confirmation that the ‘trial’ period for undertaking specific types of work and extending property has been made permanent after a total wait and see period of six years could be viewed as another positive step by the government to boost the country’s appetite for property.
Prior to May 2013, planning restrictions would only allow detached houses to have a single storey extension of no greater than four metres and a maximum of three metres for all non-detached properties.
Protection remains in place
In May 2013, the size limits were increased providing no property was situated within a protected area for instance – Area of Outstanding National Beauty (AONB), Conservation areas, a National park or World Heritage Site.
Extension rules doubled in size
This upscaling enabled detached homeowners to extend up to eight metres without applying for planning permission, double the previous amount. All other properties had their allowance doubled to six metres.
Government reevaluation
After three years, government reassessed the take up of this new implementation and extended the trial period for a further three years. At the same time, the Government brought in a neighbour consultation scheme relating to new extensions as a precaution against some fears over the original proposals.
Part of the Government’s housing reform package
Kit Malthouse, MP and Housing minister said: “This is part of a package of reforms to build more, better, faster and make the housing market work – and sits alongside our drive to deliver 300,000 homes a year by the mid 2020s. Through relaxing planning restrictions, these measures will help families extend their properties without battling through time-consuming red tape. By making this permitted development right permanent, it will mean families can make more choices when deciding what to buy, how to improve or when to move.”
