Anyone who has tried to expand a family home will know that trying to obtain planning permission can be a minefield.
Now, due to planning laws that came into force last month, adding a bedroom or conservatory will be much easier.
From the end of August, a new law offers homeowners the ability to supersize their home by adding two extra floors without what were strict planning permissions.
Prior to August, planning laws prevented homeowners from extending properties above a certain height, depending on the size and type of the property. The move is part of an overhaul of the UK’s seven decades old planning system to make it easier for people to extend their homes to accommodate growing families.
However, in some areas such as London, there will still be limits to what can be built. The new rules, which came into force on August 31, only apply to detached homes and those built between 1948 and 2018 which leaves out hundreds of thousands of people living in red brick terraces, top floor flats or new build homes. Homes in conservation areas are also excluded.
The new rules will mean that extensions can either be part of the main home or become a self contained property, such as an annexe.
This is part of the government’s plan to deliver more homes and revitalise town centres whilst attempting to reduce the pressure to build on greenfield sites.
Under the old planning rules, permission could take between eight and sixteen weeks to be considered and allowed neighbours to formally object to plans if they wished. Under the reforms, homeowners will be able to apply to extend their properties through a “fast-track approval service” with a response targeted to be within eight weeks.
Councils will still have a say in turning down block developments but the reasons for refusal are limited to issues such as traffic congestion, flood risk or noise pollution. Properties will also still be required to meet building regulations and health and safety standards.
Are you considering extending your home and would like to find out your options on raising finance for the build?
Our expert advisers can help, give us a call for your free initial consultation.
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