Homeowners in England will be allowed to complete extensions to their property without planning permission after the temporary rules, which have been in place since 2013, were made permanent.
Permitted development rights mean that homeowners can complete building on their property without planning permission from the council or approval from neighbours.
In excess of 110,000 extensions have been undertaken in England in the last five years, as the Government decides to make the change permanent.
Kit Malthouse MP, Housing Minister, said: “These measures will help families extend their properties without battling through time-consuming red tape.
“By making this permitted development right permanent, it will mean families can grow without being forced to move.”
There are specifications for the extensions, with owners of semi-detached and terraced houses being allowed to build a single-storey extension to the rear of their property of up to six metres, while it is eight metres for those in detached homes.
Homeowners will still have to inform their local council of the intended changes to the property, who will then inform the neighbours and give them a chance to object. Decisions about objections are down to the discretion of the council, who will decide if the planned extension affect the character of the area or people’s enjoyment of it.
The rules only apply in England, with extensions over 3-4 metres in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland still requiring planning permission.
Those who live in flats, maisonettes and other property will not benefit from the rule changes either.
The need for planning permission for commercial properties is also being removed by the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government.
These measures will help families extend their properties without battling through time-consuming red tape.