This article is from the source 'guardian' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2012/oct/12/councils-plans-building-extensions

The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Councils oppose plans to relax rules on building extensions Councils oppose plans to relax rules on building extensions
(about 1 hour later)
Town hall planners will work to block government plans to temporarily relax rules on building extensions to homes, the Local Government Association has insisted.Town hall planners will work to block government plans to temporarily relax rules on building extensions to homes, the Local Government Association has insisted.
The LGA, which represents more than 400 councils in England and Wales, warned the plans could result in "unsightly and out-of-place" developments.The LGA, which represents more than 400 councils in England and Wales, warned the plans could result in "unsightly and out-of-place" developments.
The proposals, unveiled by the government last month, would relax permitted developments rights – rules which detail what does and does not need planning permission – to allow property extensions of up to 8m, in an attempt to encourage growth in the construction sector.The proposals, unveiled by the government last month, would relax permitted developments rights – rules which detail what does and does not need planning permission – to allow property extensions of up to 8m, in an attempt to encourage growth in the construction sector.
Ministers pledged to consult on the plans before implementing them.Ministers pledged to consult on the plans before implementing them.
But speaking to the Daily Mail, the LGA's Mike Jones said: "This policy potentially gives the green light to unsightly and out-of-place development without delivering a big enough boost to the construction industry to justify the potential damage.But speaking to the Daily Mail, the LGA's Mike Jones said: "This policy potentially gives the green light to unsightly and out-of-place development without delivering a big enough boost to the construction industry to justify the potential damage.
"The planning process works to ensure development is suitable for a local area and doesn't unduly impact neighbours.""The planning process works to ensure development is suitable for a local area and doesn't unduly impact neighbours."
Planning minister Nick Boles said: "The planning system needs to strike a balance between the rights of the homeowner and their neighbours. Planning minister Nick Boles said: "The planning system needs to strike a balance between the rights of the homeowner and their neighbours. Our proposals will make it easier for thousands of hard-working families to undertake home improvements to cater for a growing family. It will also help generate new business for local construction companies and small traders."
"Our proposals will make it easier for thousands of hard-working families to undertake home improvements to cater for a growing family. It will also help generate new business for local construction companies and small traders."