Planning Permission Changes 2020: What It Means For You

The Government has recently announced ‘radical’ changes to the current planning permission process, which Prime Minister Boris Johnson has claimed are ‘unlike any we have seen since the second world war’.

Strong words.

The reforms hope to inspire a planning ‘revolution’. Across the nation. 

But, what are some of these planning permission changes exactly and, more importantly, what does it mean for you and your home?

Let’s take a closer look. 

Planning Permission Changes 2020

‘For growth, for renewal and for protection.’ 

The government has big plans for the current planning permission process. 

The new proposed planning permission changes places greater pressure on local authorities to designate land for development. 

Land will fall into one of three categories:

• For growth
• For renewal
• For protection

What do the new land categories mean?

‘Automatic’ planning permission will be granted for areas categorised ‘for growth’. Councils will not have the power to block building developments on this land. 

Local authorities are also forced to grant planning permission for land assigned as ‘for renewal’. 

Adopting a green approach, the Government is focused on protecting green belt areas and areas of natural beauty by blocking building developments on these areas.  

Fast-track for beauty

Under the ‘fast-track for beauty’ scheme, priority is given to ‘beautiful’ developments. 

What are ‘beautiful’ developments?

Automatic permission will be awarded to ‘proposals for high-quality developments where they reflect the local character and preferences.’

The ‘fast-track for beauty’ scheme follows in the footsteps of the previous ‘Building Better, Building Beautiful’ commission, designed to grant faster planning permission for building developments that follow local design codes. 

Scrapping of Section 106 agreements

Previously, Section 106 agreements were made between developers and local authorities in order to establish more acceptable development programmes.

The proposed planning permission changes intend to scrap Section 106 agreements and replace it with an updated version of the current community infrastructure levy. 

The soon to be abolished infrastructure levy is a fixed-rate charge paid by developers relative to the floor space of a development, 

Unlike the current infrastructure levy which is paid once a development starts, the new infrastructure levy means developments must pay the levy based upon the final value of the build. Developments trying to avoid the levy will be sanctioned. 

This levy is non-negotiable and is argued to address the pitfalls of its predecessor, in which developers exploited legal loopholes to get out of their side of the agreement. 

Discount for Affordable Homes 

The government has highlighted the need for affordable housing in the proposed planning permission changes. 

Local authorities will be allowed to lend money against their revenue from their infrastructure levies to invest in affordable housing, not currently permitted. 

A discount is proposed for developers that build affordable homes, under the planning permission changes.

What do the planning permission rules changes mean for you?

So, you now know just some of the new rules proposed by the Government, but how can these new planning permission changes benefit you? 

Homes on the up 

Larger families means an increased need for extra living space.

Are you in need of a bit more space? 

The new planning permission changes makes it easier for homeowners to add up to two additional storeys to their properties through a fast-track process. 

But before you call in the builders, consideration of your neighbours and the appearance of the extension is required.

Perfect if things are getting a bit cramped. 

Home extensions receive automatic approval

Maybe it’s not extra bedrooms you need, perhaps your kitchen needs extending? 

The new planning permission changes work for you too, making it easier to extend your home outwards as well as upwards. 

The proposed planning permission reforms force the hand of local councils to improve the ease for homeowners to gain planning permission to extend their homes, with automatic planning permission approval in certain circumstances. 

Now you can have that conservatory or orangery you’ve always dreamed of.

Find an installer you can trust 

As the demand for new extensions grows, so does the need for a trusted installer of windows, doors, and conservatories..

That’s where we come in. 

At the DGN, we are focused on putting you first. Our job is to connect you with the right double glazing installer.

Using our online tools, you can find local installers near you, and see their ratings from other customers. Likewise, you can compare up to 3 quotes from local installers.If you’re looking to extend your home, find a trusted, local installer in your area. Or go one step further, and get an online quote for your windows or doors.