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In a bid to boost new house building in Britain the government have relaxed the rules on planning to make it easier for people to build and/or extend.

We take a look into the proposed changes to planning rules as well as twenty things you can do as a builder that don’t require planning permission.

So what are the changes and how will they affect you?

The 4 Proposed Changes to Planning

1. Provision for any major infrastructure project that include elements of housing development to be fast-tracked
2. More relaxed rules in London for building “upwards extensions” of two storeys
3. Ministers granted new powers to seize disused land
4. Automatic planning permission on all suitable brownfield sites

What these changes mean for you?

These changes could unlock acres of brownfield land to house builders, helping to bridge the current gap between supply and demand.

Developers in London no longer need to request planning permission in order to build another storey as long as it doesn’t exceed the height of any neighbouring properties. So that’s good news for developers but maybe not so good news if you’re a neighbour of one of these properties!

Similarly, homeowners wanting to extend their home will now have less red tape to navigate making it easier for them to add space to their property to cater for growing families or simply add value.

The new planning rules for permitted developments will enable developers to get creative when faced with medium or high-density housing such as terraced houses or blocks of flats.

But what about the home improvements that don’t require any planning permissions at all?

Here’s 20 things you can do without planning permission

Did you know you can undertake certain projects without the need for planning permission?

We found 20 examples of the sorts of things you can do to improve a property, but beware some of these do come with restrictions and conditions.

1. Install roof lights
2. Convert a loft
3. Add an extension
4. Build a basement
5. Internal remodel
6. Convert two homes into one
7. Add a porch
8. Move windows and doors
9. Use attached buildings (garages etc.)
10. Add a gate, wall or fence
11. Install garden decking
12. Add a conservatory
13. Build a swimming pool
14. Construct new access
15. Add cladding
16. Put up a shed or outbuilding
17. Use an outbuilding as a home office
18. Create a parking area
19. Install solar panels
20. Use agricultural land

For further details and advice on your project, why not contact your local planning authority.

By Frzana Ferguson

Please Note: Every care was taken to ensure the information in this article was correct at the time of publication. Any written guidance provided does not replace the reader’s professional judgement and any construction project should comply with the relevant Building Regulations or applicable technical standards. However, for the most up to date LABC Warranty technical guidance please refer to your Risk Management Surveyor and the latest version of the LABC Warranty technical manual.