Councils call for planning proposals to be scrapped

Council leaders have added their names to those opposing new planning proposals which would make it easier for homeowners to build conservatories and extensions.

The Local Government Association, which represents councils in England and Wales, says the moves, announced by David Cameron and Nick Clegg last month, should be scrapped as they are likely to spoil the look of neighbourhoods and may well cause more disputes.

The government said that single-story extensions of up to eight metres could be allowed without planning permission to provide something of a boost to the economy but now the LGA has added its voice to those calling for a rethink. It says that some extensions, which currently have to be altered and improved because they would spoil the look of the neighbourhood, could, if the plans go ahead, be given the green light, a decision which may well increase the likelihood of disputes between neighbours.

It also questions the need for change in any case, saying that about 200,000 planning applications were made last year and only 22,000 were rejected outright. Mike Jones, from the LGA, said the small number that were rejected had been done so for a very good reason and it would be wholly wrong to allow them to sneak back in unimpeded.

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/9603441/Relaxing-rules-on-home-...