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Following last month’s statement that planning regulations are to be relaxed, the inevitable political backlash has gradually been joined by council leaders, town planners and environmentalists, all anxious about the potential rise of ‘eyesore extensions’ and neighbour rows. The coalition’s plan, following review, is to allow larger extensions for a limited period, was designed to offer a boost to the UK’s ailing economy and meet some of the problems of the housing shortage. David Cameron said that developers are being held back by bureaucracy and that “getting the planners off our backs” is a step towards making it easier for everyone from businesses to those planning house extensions to go ahead with their plans.

Making a property more usable

Opposition leaders were quick to claim that planning regulations are not responsible for a lack of suitable housing or a decline in the construction industry. Those responsible for planning and regulating how land is used have expressed concern that the landscape is to be blighted by a sudden rash of ugly, large additions to houses. However, the reality is that for those needing house extensions at least, this change represents an opportunity to make a current property more usable and avoids potentially having to move house. Government has assured those worried that their neighbour will suddenly be able to erect a large house extension overlooking their property that strict planning regulations will still apply, and for those requiring planning permission, all the usual procedures will need to be followed in order to receive approval. On a personal economic level at least, being able to improve a current property and create more usable space is likely to be financially preferable to moving house altogether.

Extending up to 8 metres is now possible

The relaxation would allow for house extensions to potentially extend to eight metres rather than the current four metres for detached homes, without planning permission being required, although the rule that extensions cannot take up more than half the garden is to be retained. 

Although any change would currently only be in place for a limited time, minister Nick Boles claimed yesterday that if the measures are successful, they could potentially be retained for the foreseeable future. “We want to encourage people to do these extensions in the next three years because the construction industry is having a miserable time. We want to support them," he told MPs, before adding that if “everybody is happy with it” it could be kept in place beyond the initial three year period. Given that planning regulations are a significant factor which frequently puts off those wanting house extensions, the proposed change is likely to encourage homeowners to go ahead sooner rather than later, however, since the cut-off date is uncertain.  

The Home Extensions Company uses a unique build method which means that extensions can go up in as little as three to four weeks, from start to finish. We can also do your planning application for you, if planning permission is required. The proposed relaxation of planning regulations is under review and not expected to take place until 2013. Please call us on 01767 683 008 if you need any information or to book a free site survey.  

• Nick Boles. Source: Jamie Carpenter, Planning Blog

It is no secret that if you choose the wrong builders, from incompetent to pure cowboy, renovations, extensions and conversions can quickly become disastrous. Far too many people have become victims of poor workmanship, which can quickly lead to a chain reaction of events with an end result far worse than the initial situation. Actor Sean Connery ended up being sued no less than three times by a neighbour after renovations allegedly caused foul smells, rat infestations and the irreparable ruination of a collection of antiques. Sharon and Ozzy Osbourne are apparently being sued for illegally extending their Los Angeles property. It is clear that having a home extension or renovating a property comes with many potential pitfalls.

It doesn’t have to be like this, however. By choosing the right companies and contractors, the process can be easy and worry-free. Businesses like the Home Extensions can oversee the entire process on your behalf, ensuring that any necessary planning permission is obtained and giving you access to a personal supervisor to keep you fully informed and answer any questions you may have. For full peace of mind, the Home Extensions Company also has a Customer Charter which makes clear their commitment to customer service and reassurance.

When choosing a builder for your house extension, it is essential to check references for the company too. Testimonials are the best way to gain an understanding of whether a company is trusted and reliable. Any good company will allow you to talk to previous customers and even view the buildings or extensions they have built for others. The Home Extensions Company finds out what sort of building or house extension you want through a free site survey and then finds a past customer who would be happy to show you the building they had. It is this sort of customer service which sets apart the cowboys from the extension experts.

Good news! The Met Office may finally be escaping from the country’s bad books, even if only briefly. We have been told we can expect the sun, for a few days next week at least. Up until now, this season has seen some of the worst summer weather most of us can remember. Spring began with an extensive hosepipe ban – surely the best way to guarantee plenty of rain, in much the same way that deciding not to take an umbrella out will ensure the heavens open – and now in the depths of summer Britain is enjoying widespread flooding. Famous for our indomitable spirit in the face of adversity, Britons have kept calm and carried on, making the most of this year’s special events.

The never-ending rain has meant that lots of events usually enjoyed outside have been moved under cover. In the past, a conservatory has often been the type of room used in these circumstances. It didn’t take long for us to realise, however, that conservatories were not the space solution everyone had been hoping for, and most now lie unused and unloved. Too hot in summer and too cold in winter, conservatories often require endless window cleaning and become little more than a dumping ground for overgrown houseplants and superfluous furniture. The type of extension built by the Home Extensions Company is a high-quality, modern alternative, much more fit-for-purpose, aesthetically appealing and without the usual hassle associated with extensions. Time on site is as little as three weeks, not many months, due to the unique construction method used by the Home Extensions Company.

We are all still hoping for some sun this year, but whether or not it finally arrives, a house extension can be the ideal answer to Britain’s changing weather. Huge bi-fold doors can create a feeling of extending into the garden on one side, and a sympathetically integrated extension avoids the often ugly contrast between houses and their conservatories. As everything is bespoke to your exact requirements, why not start as you mean to go on and create a room specifically designed for entertaining? A bar, a few flags, several friends and a large flatscreen television will soon dispel any disappointment you may have at missing out on Olympic tickets, as you take part in the excitement in the comfort of your own home extension.

                                                                                                                                                                                   Caroline Gregory 17/07/12

As Sarah Burton comes back down to earth after the huge press attention surrounding the design of Kate Middleton's dress...it seems she hasn't received such a high accolade for her designs from the planning office. The couple have received a letter of rejection form the planning department following the submission of plans for the home extension she had planned with her husband David, a fashion photographer. The request to extend their terraced home in St. John's Wood to include a fourth bedroom and en suite bathroom, have not been approved.: 'Because of its size, location, bulk, scale and detailed design and the harmful impact on the composition and proportions of the existing building, the proposed rear extension would harm the appearance of this building and fail to maintain or improve the character and appearance of the St John's Wood Conservation Area.'

It just goes to show that no one is exempt from the planning and building regulations, no matter how rich or "of the time" you are; the same rules apply to us all. As an initial port of call you should call to have a free chat with your local planning office and find out if you too live in a conservation area, or if there are any restrictions imposed on your building. The Home Extension Company can then come to your property to carry out a free site survey and using our expert knowledge and experience we will guide you through every element of the planning and design, through to construction. So hopefully you will see your Home Extension go ahead unlike poor Sarah!