Planning rules eased to boost building

Author: Local Government Chronicle   |  

A package of measures to help boost the construction industry during the recession has been announced by new housing minister John Healey.

Developers are to be given more time to start building and further flexibility to adapt building plans and Mr Healey also announced changes for developers to build to greener standards.

There has been a sharp fall in the number of permissions which are being taken up so, for a temporary period, a simpler and cheaper way of extending the life of planning consent is being introduced.

Currently, permissions that are not used expire automatically – usually after three years.

Local authorities will have the freedom to make changes to large developments and town centres by using Local Development Orders (LDOs).

The LDOs will make it easier to for developers and councils to find new uses for empty shops on the high street and expand businesses and industrial estates.

The Government will fund up to 12 local authorities to create LDOs, working with the Planning Advisory Service.

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