Councils say plans to relax rules on home extensions will lead to 鈥渦nsightly and out-of-place鈥� developments
The government鈥檚 plans to temporarily relax rules on building home extensions will not deliver enough of a boost the construction industry to justify such a move, the Local Government Association has said.
The proposals, set out last month, aim to help the construction industry by relaxing permitted developments rights to allow property extensions of up to 8m without planning permission.
But the LGA, which represents more than 400 councils in England and Wales, warned the plans could result in 鈥渦nsightly and out-of-place鈥� developments and suggested town hall planners would block them.
The LGA鈥檚 Mike Jones said: 鈥淭his policy potentially gives the green light to unsightly and out-of-place development without delivering a big enough boost to the construction industry to justify the potential damage.
鈥淭he planning process works to ensure development is suitable for a local area and doesn鈥檛 unduly impact neighbours.鈥�
Planning minister Nick Boles (pictured) said: 鈥淭he planning system needs to strike a balance between the rights of the homeowner and their neighbours.
鈥淥ur proposals will make it easier for thousands of hard-working families to undertake home improvements to cater for a growing family. It will also help generate new business for local construction companies and small traders.鈥�
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