Is it the Credit Crunch that has made Home Extensions Easier?
From the 1st of October 2008 the list of alterations that are treated as "permitted development" under the General Development Orders has been extended. The changes allow rear extensions, roof extensions and loft extensions, that come within certain size limitations and satisfy certain conditions, to be carried out without the need of a planning application being made. Although permission is still needed it is deemed to have been granted. The provisions of the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Amendment) (No.2) (England) Order 2008 are involved and need to be studied but it is generally considered that the Government has had in mind the current economic climate in relaxing the existing rules. Of course the downside is that the new provisions may increase tension between neighbours and cause more neighbour disputes.
As regards drives and hard standings if the surface covers more than five square metres and the surface is impermeable express planning permission is still needed.
Hansell Wilkes & co