The Government has introduced new rules from 1st October intended to simplify and extend permitted development rights for householders, making the process of undertaking small scale alterations less onerous.
Although the process is generally more liberal, areas where planning is traditionally restricted remain unaffected, for instance, properties on designated land. There are also some formerly unrestricted areas where the law is now more rigorous. If, for example, you want to pave your front garden to make a parking space, you’ll have to get planning permission to lay a driveway using traditional materials if it is more than five square metres.
Full details of the changes are available through an interactive internet guide: Planning Portal Guide (please follow the link to access the guide).
Although the rules have been simplified it is important that you check with your local planning authority before commencing work.
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