Bournemouth Liberal Democrats
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Planning Regulations Changes may Cause Acceleration in Overdevelopment
December 14, 2012 10:52 PM
By Carol Ainge
By Carol Ainge
The government is currently consulting on proposed changes to permitted development rights. The Planning Minister Nick Boles announced an 8 week period of consultation on these measures back in October with the final day for comment being 24th December.
In particular it is proposed that:
- A single story house extension of approximately twice the length of existing permitted development (in future up to 8 metres back from the house rear wall) will be permitted development for a limited period until 2015
- Until 2015 shops can extend by up to 100 square metres and industrial units by up to 200 square metres as permitted development
The government argues that these proposals which are part of a wider package will boost UK house building, jobs and the economy. However, it goes without saying that they will impact on local residents.
Concerns include:-
- The opportunity will no longer exist for councils to protect the amenities of neighbouring properties or the character of residential areas
- Planning applications currently determined by local authorities, carefully taking account of the views of neighbours and neighbourhoods, will be determined by Parliamentary Order without any consultation or negotiations.
- 8 metre extensions close to boundaries may be in a significant number of cases affect the amenities of rear patios and rear rooms because overlooking baulk and mass, and impact on light.
- The opportunity for mediation through the local authority will be lost
You can have your say on the consultation by clicking the link below.