Government figures reported this month demonstrate efforts made to reform the property planning system are starting to take effect.
As of May 2013, newly enforced permitted development rights have given homeowners the ability to extend their property, without the need for planning permission. This is part of a greater reformation scheme which aims to develop a more responsive planning system.
Housing Minister, Brandon Lewis, comments on this latest Statistical Release:
"Figures show how thousands of homeowners are now able to make improvements to their properties without having to negotiate excessive red tape and bureaucracy.
"All this is part of our wider planning reforms, which have helped put power back in the hands of councils and communities to have a real say over how their area is developed"
Between April and June of this year, UK councils received around 7,700 applications for property extensions — over 80% of which passing without the need for planning permission.
Permitted development rules also allow redundant office spaces to be converted into residential properties, which has also had a positive impact on consumers. Out of the 1,100 applications for this type of development last quarter, 900 were approved within the 3 month period.
"Offices that once stood empty have been transformed to help deliver much-needed new homes for communities while maintaining green belt protections." says Lewis.
While boosting the production of new homes, the legislation is protecting green belt areas, as well as easing the strain on planning offices.
It’s said property development approvals are now at a 10 year high, with 350,000 permissions being granted in the first half of 2014 — 2% higher than last year.
"All this is part of our wider planning reforms, which have helped put power back in the hands of councils and communities to have a real say over how their area is developed — meaning planning approvals are now at a 10-year high."
