Permitted Development Changes Tel: 020 8644 3263
Permitted Development (PD) has recently been changed by Government
Recent changes to the permitted development policy has made it both easier and harder to understand how to interpret the rules. Permitted Development describes the area of land around your property where development can be undertaken without the need for a planning application to be submitted to the Local Authority. On the 1st October 2008 the Government increased the Permitted Development area to allow greater flexibility for more homeowners to build extensions and loft conversions.
From this (old rules) To this (new rules)
The overall aims for this change of policy were:
- To make the need for specific planning permission proportionate to the impact of the development
- To keep the number of planning applications to a minimum
- To ensure the legislation is and can remain relevant to the new technologies and changing lifestyles
Although the aim of the new policy is to increase flexibility these new rules could have negative implications on areas of development that were allowed under the previous rules. The result is that there is a greater need for planning applications to be completed by the householder in order to verify that the proposed development does not conflict with the new rules.
Previous rules on Permitted Development were commonly based on determining the 'volume of additions' or developments, which often proved difficult for householders to work out and could result in 'illegal' development.
The new proposals would create a national legislative framework based on impacts to the local environment. In addition, the government is keen to ensure that the local planning authorities have flexibility to amend Permitted Development rights locally where it is appropriate for their area.You may wish to check with your local authority or your agent to establish if Permitted Development rights for your property have been varied or waived before starting any work.
For assistance with the details of how Permitted Development might work for you please call me on 020 8644 3263 or email me on gill email.