Loft Conversions in Whetstone planning laws relaxed
Loft Conversions Whetstone no planning
Most families seeking to make better use of their loft space will not need to clear it with their local council.
The Government said the plans would help families who are unable to move because of the housing market slump create more living space in their existing homes.
Caroline Flint, the Housing Minister, said: " I am scrapping the red tape so it is much easier to convert the loft into that extra bedroom and build on an extension.
"The rules will cut out planning permission for about 80,000 households a year and crucially saving as much as £1,000 in some cases."
Miss Flint said she also expects the rule change to remove about one quarter of all planning applications from the system, meaning requests for permission to make more substantial changes could be dealt with quicker.
The Government emphasized that neighbours would be protected under the new rules. It said a balance must be struck between allowing home improvements and preventing intrusive alterations.
Planning permission will still be required for extensions reaching more than 10ft from the original property and loft conversions of more than 50 cubic metres. Home improvements under the new rules would not be subject to any additional council tax as a result.
Submitted by charles jeffrey on Thursday 1st July 2010