Category Archives: Planning news

The government is carrying out consultation until 15 October on allowing certain additional changes of use without having to make a planning application. These are: Change of use and associated works from small shop or professional/financial services (A1 and A2 … Continue reading →

New rules come into effect on 25 June intended to simplify planning applications. Currently, design and access statements are required for many applications, including small-scale ones.  In future, only major applications – for example, 10 or more dwellings or buildings … Continue reading →

The government has announced it is to reduce technical guidance on planning permission issues. Accepting the recommendations of a review carried out last year, the government is to publish reduced guidance and, at the same time, abolish existing guidance. The … Continue reading →

Regulations due to come into effect on 30 May will allow larger extensions to homes (as well as offices and shops) without needing to submit a planning application. The additional size limits will go from 4 to 8 metres for … Continue reading →

A number of new automatic planning permission rights are due to come into force on 30 May. Change of use of existing office buildings to homes will be allowed. This right will not apply to specified parts of 17 councils’ … Continue reading →

The Growth and Infrastructure Act 2013 became law on 25 April. Permitted development rules are being changed to allow ‘uncontentious, small-scale extensions’ to be built without a planning application, subject to consultation with neighbours (see subsequent post). Information requirements for … Continue reading →

This year’s budget included a few planning permission-related announcements. There was reference to planning reforms that were going through parliament (see subsequent post). The government is working on reducing the amount of planning guidance. The results are promised in the … Continue reading →

Latest stats show planning permissions for new homes have gone up 60% on the same period a year ago. The numbers permitted are said to be the highest since the beginning of 2008. It remains to be seen whether this … Continue reading →

The first neighbourhood plan to get to the public referendum stage has just been voted through. This plan covers 16 parishes in East Cumbria. The turnout was 34% and 90% of those who voted were in favour. The final step … Continue reading →