04-03-2008
FMB expects impact from planning bill
News by Adfero for Simply Business - independent providers of public liability insurance, business finance, landlord insurance, buy-to-let mortgages & commercial mortgages.
The Federation of Master Builders (FMB) is expecting the planning reform bill to have a significant impact on the home improvement sector.
From October, homeowners will be able to extend lofts by up to 50 cubic metres, with no limit set for other extensions - meaning that people will have to go through less red tape to carry out work on their properties.
Previously, householders were only able to extend one or the other, the Times reports.
Brian Berry, director of external affairs at the FMB, expects this to have "a very large impact" on the trades industry and for homeowners.
"It all falls under permission to development, which means that the householder, provided he fulfils the criteria, doesn't need to submit a planning application," he said.
"It will become easier from October this year to create extra space in your home."
The news, which could have a knock-on effect on the tradesman insurance sector, is expected to lead to a 25 per cent cut in planning applications.
