New Policy Measures Announced by Michael Gove
Michael Gove, the Levelling Up Secretary, has announced plans to allow millions of homeowners in the UK to build larger extensions and loft conversions without needing planning permission. The proposed changes to permitted development rights would enable homeowners to build wider and taller extensions, including L-shaped wraparounds, loft conversions, and kitchen extensions, without the need for permission. The reforms aim to support a "gentle densification" of towns and cities across the country.
Proposed Changes and Impact
Under the proposed reforms, single-storey extensions would be permitted to extend up to 4m in depth on most houses and 5m on detached homes, compared to the current restrictions of 3m and 4m, respectively. Rear two-storey extensions could be as high as the highest part of the house, as long as they are not visible from the street. L-shaped extensions would no longer require planning permission. Homeowners would also have the freedom to convert as much loft space as available, removing the current limits of 50 cubic metres for most cases and 40 cubic metres for terraced houses.
Concerns and Potential Disputes
The proposed planning reforms have raised concerns about potential conflicts between neighbors. Critics argue that allowing uncontrolled changes to properties could lead to disputes over encroachment on garden fences and blocked light due to loft conversions. David Toogood, of Harding Chartered Surveyors, warns that the lack of control could create a "civil war" between neighbors, with legal and surveying costs potentially reaching thousands of pounds. Noble Francis, economics director at the Construction Products Association, also highlights the potential for increased conflicts on either side of the fence.
Government Consultation and Future Plans
The government has launched an eight-week consultation on the proposed changes, which will remain open until April 9. The consultation aims to gather feedback and opinions on the reforms. In addition to the planning reforms, Michael Gove is also pressing local councils to build new homes as part of the government's efforts to address the housing crisis in the UK. The government is specifically targeting brownfield sites for development and plans to make it easier to repurpose commercial buildings into residential properties.
Overall, the proposed planning reforms could provide homeowners with greater flexibility to extend and modify their properties without the need for planning permission. However, concerns about potential conflicts between neighbors and the impact on the overall housing landscape remain. The government's consultation will help shape the final policies and regulations surrounding these reforms.
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