Planning permission scrapped

Families planning to improve their homes could soon find it cheaper and easier to do so after the government announced it is to scrap red tape involving loft conversions and extensions.

Housing minister Caroline Flint explained that she planned to remove the need for planning permission, which can cost up to £1,000, for extensions of up to three metres.

The change will also apply to loft conversions of less than 50 cubic metres, meaning homeowners will have much more scope for adding roof lights or glazed kitchen extensions.

It is hoped the move will remove around 80,000 planning applications from the governments systems, saving around £40 million.

A loft conversion or kitchen extension can be the answer to many families space problems.

A loft conversion can add an extra bedroom, while a glazed kitchen extension can brighten up the home and allow extra cooking and dining space.