Changes to planning restrictions

David Cameron and Nick Clegg are set to ease planning restrictions on home and business extensions as part of a host of measures that aim to kick-start the economy.

The coalition will make it easier for tens of thousands of families and companies to expand their properties, allowing them to build much bigger extensions without planning permission than at present. However, this will only be for a limited period of time.

New Permitted Development Rights will make it simpler for homeowners to install conservatories and loft extensions by getting rid of the need to go through weeks of planning bureaucracy and form-filling. Full planning permission will now only be needed on extensions which stretch six or eight metres from the rear wall of any home, depending on whether it is terraced or detached.

Meanwhile, businesses will be able to increase their space by 100 square metres and industrial units by 200 square metres. The Government is also poised to unveil an extension of the FirstBuy scheme, allowing another 16,500 first-time buyers to receive help getting on the housing ladder. This move will see would-be homeowners without a deposit given an equity loan of up to 20% of the purchase price.

IBB's private client group includes specialists in residential conveyancing. Contact a conveyancing solicitor by calling us on 01494 790000 or emailing conveyancing@ibblaw.co.uk.