Proposed new home planning laws will make extending easier

The Government’s proposed easing of the planning laws for property extensions is a welcome move for home owners. Many people do not wish to move but are in need of more space for growing families or simply to add ‘Lifestyle Room’ to their home.

Adding an extension or a loft conversion to your home can increase its value by almost a quarter (research from the Nationwide Building Society).

“For many people, extending has proved to be a more viable way to get the extra space they need. Moving is, in itself, both costly and stressful. Extra living space via garden room extensions or conversions has always been popular but even more so in the current climate,” explains Steve Thorogood, Managing Director, Admiral Homespace.

Having more useable space is a goal many people have; the relaxation of planning laws for conservatories, orangeries and single storey extensions is welcome news for home owners who prefer the idea of improving their home by adding space and value rather than incurring the extra costs and strains of moving to a larger property.

This potential ‘easing’ period in the law could allow people to build up to eight metres into their gardens without needing council planning permission. This doubles the amount of space that home owners – and businesses – can build but restrictions still apply in conservation areas and in most cases building regulation approval is still required. This can be taken care of in-house by professional design and build companies such as Admiral Homespace.

“It could be good news for home owners but they must still proceed with caution and obtain good advice from a reputable company,” concludes Steve.