Regional Technical Officers Meeting East Midlands Region 6 th November 2012

Agenda 1.Arrival and Refreshments 9:30 am 2.Introduction 10am (PC) 3.Agency roundup (from floor) 10:15am (All) 4.Technical Update, including planning changes 11am (PC) 5.Lunchtime Presentation from AKW 12 pm (AKW) 6.Lunch 12:30pm (All) 7.Presentation by Mark Buckley of Easiaccess 1:15pm (MB) 8.Foundations national update on HIA sector 2pm (FP) 9.Topics for next meeting & date/time for next meeting 3pm (All) 10.Any other Business 3:15pm (All) 11.Close 3:30pm

Introduction Peter Cleland Senior Technical Officer

Agency Roundup Agency Roundup from the floor……..

Technical Update Changes to Planning Permission (Permitted Development) Party Wall - Information Building Regulations – Approved Documents

Planning Changes

Q - What are the current rules ? A - Under the “existing permitted development” rules, single-storey rear extensions and conservatories can be constructed without planning permission as long as they do not extend more than a set distance beyond the rear wall of the original house.

Q - What is the distance at present ? A - No more than 3m (9.8ft) in a semi-detached home and 4m (13.1ft) in a detached property. Planning Changes

Q - What is changing? A - These limits will be doubled to 6m (19.7ft) for semi-detached homes, and to 8m (26.2ft) for detached properties.

Planning Changes Q - Will the changes apply to loft extensions ? A - No – just single-storey extensions.

Planning Changes Q - Aren’t single storey extensions allowed without permission within certain space guidelines ? A - Yes. Technical guidance says that permission is not required if the extension takes up less than 50 per cent of the property’s “surrounding area”. It is unclear how the new changes will affect this.

Planning Changes Q - Do the changes apply to properties in conservation areas, world heritage sites or areas of outstanding natural beauty ? A - No. Permitted development rights are already more limited in these areas.

Planning Changes Q - How much can it cost to get planning permission ? A - Typically, it costs £150 to obtain a planning consent, with any further professional fees – such as architects’ charges – possibly running into thousands of pounds.

Planning Changes Q - Why are the rules changing ? A - The Government wants to make it easier for people to develop their own homes, and remove the red tape around asking for permission for modest extensions.

Planning Changes Q - When will the changes take effect ? A - Possibly by the end of this year: the announcement is today and a consultation paper will be published as early as next week. There will then follow a six-week consultation period to cover any technical issues. The change will require a change to secondary legislation in Parliament.

Planning Changes Q - Why are the plans limited for only three years ? A - The changes are time limited to This is to ensure that they provide a boost to the economy, by forcing people to bring forward any development plans and start them in the next three years.

Planning Changes Q - Could the changes become permanent ? A - Yes. Ministers want to review the proposals after three years. Officials say “nothing would stop a successful policy being extended”. Article/Information from the Telegraph 05/09/12

Planning Changes Summary Changes to planning laws have not been implemented.. Guidance for the existing planning regulations can be obtained from the Planning Portal ( see links for interactive house(s) Always check with your local authorities planning department for guidance on whether planning permission required.

Party Wall etc Act 1996 Useful Information Guidance Booklets and Example Letters Available from:- Other useful information is available from:-

Building Regulations Useful Information You can download approved documents and guidance notes from the following link:-

Presentation By Rachel Eley Business Development Manager Vince Moorton Southern Divisional Sales Director

Lunchtime

Presentation By Rachel El Presentation By Mark Buckley – Business Development Manager

Foundations national update on HIA sector by Francis Philippa

Date of Next Meeting 10 th April 2013

Topics For the next meeting, what items would you like to be included ?

Any other Business ?

Meeting Closed Thank you for attending