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Government Relaxes Planning Rules

The government has scrapped planning permission for some extensions and loft conversions. The new regulations came into effect on 1st October 2008 and will result in 80,000 fewer applications, said Housing Minister, Caroline Flint.

Growing families who are reluctant to move because of falling property prices will benefit from the new regulations, in some cases making a saving of £1,000.

Under the new rules two-storey extensions of up to 3m (10ft) will be permitted from the back of the property.

Loft conversions extending out from the eaves, which up to now have required planning permission, can now extend up to 20cm (8 inches) without consent. However, the new room must not exceed 50 cubic metres for detached and semi-detached homes or 40 cubic metres in a terraced house.

It should also be easier for owners of properties located in conservation areas to build single-storey rear ground-floor extensions, but loft conversions will still be restricted.

The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors has welcomed the changes.

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