Early in August 2020, the new planning permission update was announced. Before the update, it would take about five years for a standard housing development to successfully pass through the planning system. However, the new planning permission update stipulates that new homes will get automatic planning permission approval to facilitate quick completion of the construction process.
The Essential Part of the Update
According to the update, land planned for the construction of new homes, schools, hospitals, offices and shops will be granted automatic permission to start construction immediately. The class of buildings or properties listed will be categorised as “for growth,” meaning that work can immediately begin on the land.
It is crucial to mention that before the new planning permission update, construction would not begin until the planning permission for such a project has been approved.
The building projects that require the approval of planning permission include:
a. New builds
b. Significant change(s) to the building, e.g., an extension
c. Changing the use of the building
New Planning Permission Update About Extending Houses Above a Certain Height
As part of the update announced for planning permission, homeowners in the UK can now add more storeys to their homes without getting full planning permission from September 2020.
Before now, homeowners were prevented from extending their homes above a certain height, regardless of the size and type of building. They must get full planning approval before extending their homes by adding two storeys.
Because of the update, detached property owners can expand their properties upwards immediately after the updates take effect in September.
Note that the new planning permission update about add two storeys to buildings does not abolish obtaining planning permission; it is just that the planning permission required for the project can get a “fast-track approval service.” In effect, approvals can be obtained within eight weeks, instead of the previous 16 weeks window.
Despite the quick or automatic approval of planning permission, as indicated in the new planning permission update, some restrictions will be enforced. All the proposed projects will be subject to building regulations.
Meanwhile, the reforms do not apply to protected areas like the national parks, conservation, or heritage areas. Homeowners in those areas must apply for full planning permission before any construction project can begin.
If you are a homeowner unsure about the effect of the new planning permission update on your proposed project, verify it from your LPA (Local Planning Authority), or contact us for assistance. Our experts will guide you appropriately.