LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM / ACCESSWIRE / September 26, 2024 / Homeowners could soon have the chance to add more space to their homes thanks to new planning changes. The latest reforms will make it simpler to add roof extensions and extra floors to your property, potentially changing the way we think about extending our homes.
Under the new rules, local councils will have fewer restrictions when it comes to approving upwards extensions. This is part of Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer's plan to boost housebuilding and meet the target of 1.5 million new homes this parliament. The proposed changes to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) mean councils can no longer reject applications just because they are taller than the surrounding buildings or the houses next door don't have extra floors.
Sebastian Grayson, Director at SimplyEasy Refurbs, a London loft conversion specialist, comments: "This is good news for homeowners looking to extend their homes. It simplifies the process and removes some of the red tape that has made loft conversions more difficult in the past."
One of the big changes is the removal of the need for specific types of roof extensions, like mansard roofs. Previously homeowners were encouraged to go for mansard designs to make rooftop extensions less visible from the street, a process that can be expensive and complicated. According to Checkatrade, a mansard rooftop extension can cost around £65,000.
"By removing these rules, the government is making loft conversions more accessible and cheaper for homeowners. The removal of the mansard roof requirement means more extension designs are possible, making it easier and cheaper to add extra living space," says Grayson.
The proposed changes also increase the planning application fee from £258 to £528. This will cover the increasing costs for councils and speed up decision making. Although this may seem like a blow, the overall simplification of the process will benefit homeowners in the long run.
Grayson says: "Yes the fee increase is a consideration, but overall these changes will be good. The simplified process and fewer restrictions will encourage more homeowners to consider loft conversions as an option."
Not all loft extensions need planning permission, but for those that do-especially in conservation areas or where the roof height is too low-it's worth speaking to an architect or builder to see what's best.
The consultation period for these draft planning rules ends in September and Parliament will then review and vote on the new law. If approved these changes will change how homeowners and developers approach property extensions.
If you're wondering whether to extend or move, remember extending your current home is often more cost effective than buying a new one. According to Checkatrade, a loft conversion can add up to 20% to your home's value, compared to 4-5% for a bathroom refurbishment or 10% for a new kitchen.
In summary these changes are a big step towards more accessible home extensions, making the process simpler and cheaper for homeowners. Soon the dream of adding extra space to your home may be within reach.
Contact:
SimplyEasy Refurbs
Sebastian Grayson
0203 648 9687
hello@simplyeasyrefurbs.co.uk
SOURCE: SimplyEasy Refurbs
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