Extension Rules Delayed

Government plans to double the size of extensions allowed under permitted development rights have stalled. The delay follows opposition from some Tory and Lib Dem MPs and amendments inserted by the House of Lords.

Last year, ministers put forward proposals for a temporary relaxation of the planning rules. These would have doubled the current allowances for single-storey extensions to 8m for detached houses and 6m for other types of home. The idea was to help stimulate the building industry.

The rebels argue the easing of the planning regulations would have little economic benefit. There are also concerns about the potential impact on the UK’s built environment of ‘unregulated’ extensions. These centre on the potential for poor designs to escape scrutiny and the effect of such development on the rights of neighbours (include the Right to Light).

The proposals are part of the Growth and Infrastructure Bill. Last month, the Lords introduced an amendment allowing individual councils to ‘opt out’ of the permitted development rule changes. The government wants to overturn that amendment.

Communities Secretary, Eric Pickles has announced his intention to seek a “revised approach to the contentious question of permitted development rights for home extensions when the Bill returns to the Lords.”

Details on exactly what compromises might be made weren’t forthcoming, though Pickles stated “the problem is eminently bridgeable. I would like the opportunity to build that bridge.”