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‘We have to tread carefully because building work can have a huge impact’: Warning over government’s proposed changes to planning law
The beautiful Vale countryside in Fleet Marston: The council has warned the government to tred carefully over planning reform which could have a detrimental impact on the environment
Homeowners intending to take advantage of the change in planning laws to build an extension are warned to seek advice before starting work.
The Government has announced a relaxation of rules for the next three years, which will allow homeowners to extend their homes with a single storey extension up to six metres long without seeking permission.
But district councillors fear the change of rules could have a detrimental effect on neighbours and may infringe planning policy.
Cllr Sue Polhill, cabinet memeber for planned development at Aylesbury Vale District Council, said: “The initial briefing does not give any detail, and we need to find out exactly what the goverment means. I wouldn’t advise anyone to start building without contacting the district council first. If they don’t, it could mean enforcement and revising what they have built. It would be awful if new extensions had to come down.
“I know the Government is keen to speed up planning processes but this isn’t always in everyone’s best interests because we need time to consult parish councils and neighbours. We have to tread carefully because building work can have a huge impact, and dramatically affect other people’s lives.”
The Government announcement also changed the rules relating to affordable housing. Developers no longer need to include this in their plans if they can prove it would make their site commercially unviable.
Mrs Polhill said: “I have concerns about this because when the council gives permission for these large developments we make sure there are small groups of affordable housing in several places rather than one large area. This is to ensure everyone is integrated.
“This change may not affect the numbers of affordable housing available,” said Mrs Polhill, “but the positioning is just as important.” a
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Weather for Aylesbury
Saturday 25 May 2013
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 5 C to 15 C
Wind Speed: 13 mph
Wind direction: North
Tomorrow
Sunny spells
Temperature: 6 C to 18 C
Wind Speed: 10 mph
Wind direction: North west
