Add 2 storeys to your house without planning permission

‘Giving families the freedom to expand’

FAMILIES will be able to add two storeys to their homes without planning permission under reforms to be unveiled today.

Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick will announce the move in a package of measures tearing up ‘outdated and bureaucratic’ planning laws.

The proposal, affecting owners of detached properties, was first floated by Mr Jenrick’s predecessor Sajid Javid 18 months ago. It was originally aimed principally at town centres and would have still required light-touch planning approval.

But under the new plans, families will be able to build up to two storeys using permitted development rights – the same system used for small extensions and loft conversions.

The right will be afforded first to purpose-built blocks of flats, but will eventually be rolled out to all detached properties.

Homeowners will still need to comply with building regulations, but neighbours will not have a formal route to object.

The move will raise fears of a rash of unsightly developments – but ministers hope it will allow growing families to expand their property without moving, and encourage developers to add new homes to existing buildings.

Mr Jenrick will say: ‘The bold changes to the planning process will make a real difference to people up and down the nation. All too often the planning system proves complicated, outdated and bureaucratic and is too complex and costly for people and small businesses to navigate. This is a barrier to building the homes that we need...

‘I want to give families the freedom they need to expand their homes and ensure small developers get a fair chance to succeed.

‘Our vision for reforming the planning system will speed up and simplify the process, while ensuring that communities still retain a say over their future.’

Ministers will also try to accelerate the conversion of disused and unsightly commercial properties into residential homes.

Under a ‘permission in principle’ system, developers will not have to get detailed planning permission before the bulldozers can move in. A source said: ‘This will create more attractive and prosperous high streets by replacing eyesores with family homes, while also reducing the need to build houses on green field land and in the countryside.’

Big developers will also be offered the option of a fast-track planning service in return for higher fees.

The package is part of wider moves to boost housebuilding, which is seen as a key battleground for an upcoming election. However, ministers have dropped plans for new housing to be built on green belt areas close to railway stations.

Sources said existing green belt protections would remain in place.