The new planning permission rules

The New Planning Permission Rules in the UK

There are now new planning permission rules in the UK and if you haven't heard about them yet, it's time to get informed. Planning permission is no longer needed for a great number of homeowners for things such as loft conversions and rear extensions. This eliminates a great number of all planning applications from the system. Non-overbearing loft conversions can receive automatic permission. Rear extensions don't have a cap on volume now. But this is just the beginning of the changes that are taking place.

To fully understand the new planning permission rules, it helps to know why the rules have changed. The new rules are intended to cut out planning permissions for nearly 80,000 households each year. This could save as much as £1,000 for many cases which is extremely helpful to families in need that may already be stretched for cash.

The new planning permission rules will make home improvements easier and more affordable. This will improve the quality of the housing market by a great deal which benefits both individuals as well as property investors.

Planning permission rules have been in place for some time and for good reasons. The laws regarding existing buildings or existing settlement areas usually pertain to the neighborliness of the design and how it will be accepted by the occupants of the building as well as the neighborhood.

When seeking planning permission, there are different things that will be looked at such as:

These are just the basics for most areas. There are some specific areas that have more restrictions or regulations on them such as a conservation area and if you plan to build or renovate on such areas, different regulations may apply which is why planning permissions are required first.

Permitted development is a set legislative agreement regarding development that can be done without planning permission. As long as development falls within the parameters and equations of permitted development, there are no restrictions or planning permissions necessary.

Here are some basic guidelines regarding the new planning permission rules. Remember that these are subject to change and subject to your particular residential area and these are just meant to be guidelines.

Basic Guidelines

Roof: you generally do not need planning permissions to renovate or replace your roofing, add skylights or make other improvements to the roof of your home.

Chimney: Provided the proper rules are adhered to, you typically do not need permission to replace, alter or improve your chimney, flue, or soil and vent pipe.

Extensions and additions: As of October 1, 2008, you generally do not need planning permission first to extend or add to your home (such as an extra room) provided you follow the existing rules and regulations to residential extensions.

Sheds and storage: Generally, you do not need to get planning permission before adding sheds and other storage areas to your property (such as in the garden or back yard) provided you follow the proper regulations.

This is just a brief look at the many new planning permission rules designed to make it easier for people to build on, add to, renovate and improve their homes and properties. You can use these new rules to your advantage.

Some useful sites for more information

Planning Portal

About Property UK

Posted in Property Investment Blog Articles from 2009

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