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Government announces new ‘relaxed’ planning rules to come into effect

August 3, 2020

The government has announced new rules regarding ‘relaxed’ planning in a bid to help revitalise town centres.

Coming into force in September, according to a statement on the new rules, full planning applications will not be required to demolish and rebuild unused buildings as homes.

Robert Jenrick MP, Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, said: “We are reforming the planning system and cutting out unnecessary bureaucracy to give small business owners the freedom they need to adapt and evolve, and to renew our town centres with new enterprises and more housing. These changes will help transform boarded up, unused buildings safely into high-quality homes at the heart of their communities.”

The government also announced that homeowners will be able to add up to two additional storeys to their home through a fast track approval process. However, this comes with a requirement to consider their neighbours and the look of the extension.

If you are a commercial property owner and are interested in taking advantage of the relaxation in planning rules, contact us at info@walkerfoster.co.uk or call our Head of Commercial Property Craig Williams at our Skipton office on 01756 700200.

This article must not be construed as legal advice. All cases are different on their facts and you should consult with us directly on your case.

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