Threat to loft conversions warns FMB
Brian Berry FMB External Affairs Director said: "It is quite devious how the Planning White Paper has emphasised the removal of planning permission for home renovations whilst at the same time hiding the effective removal of permitted development rights for loft conversions. By applying the impact test to front or side roof extensions and to rear roof extensions that are less than one metre from eaves, ridges, verges or party walls, the proposal effectively wipes out all loft conversions in built up urban areas.
“Soaring stamp duty and other house-buying costs have driven the recent trend for owners to improve rather than move, and loft conversions are one of the most popular methods of gaining extra living space without increasing the footprint of a building. Loft conversions provide great benefits obviously to the owners but also to the wider community. For example, they are a brown field development; improve the quality of the housing stock; increase insulation levels, thereby reducing carbon emissions; increase fire safety; and help maintain sustainable communities by encouraging people to say put.”
FMB is forming a loft action group to lobby the Government before the consultation deadline on August 17
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Susie Hughes
The Editor © Hardhatter 200