A round-up of the latest self-build and home renovation news, products and events.
The long-proposed Levelling-up and Regeneration Act 2023 has become enshrined in UK law. The government hopes the new legislation will “speed up the planning system, hold developers to account, cut bureaucracy and encourage more councils to put in place plans to enable the building of new homes”.
Moving for ward, homeowners will be required to provide less evidence with their applications and will have greater say over residential developments submitted in their local area, thanks to ‘street vote’.
However, the Act has also seen an increase in planning fees, with major applications up by 35% and minors by 25%. The cost of submitting a full planning application in England is now £624, while those wanting to alter their home will need to pay £258. Additionally, application resubmissions in England will no longer be free. A benefit for homeowners is that amendments have also been made to Permitted Development rules. Those with a flat roof can now add solar photovoltaic (PV) panels without planning permission. Turn to our Planning Clinic on page 109 for details on the changes that have taken place.
Planning system named bigger barrier to new homes
The Federation of Master Builders has released its 2023 House Builders’ Survey, revealing the biggest hurdles facing small and medium-sized housebuilders in England. The planning system was named the top barrier to more homes, with 55% of survey respondents naming “inadequate resourcing of planning departments” as the most significant cause of delays. Restricted mortgage availability was the second-biggest barrier, with 51% of members picking this option, while a lack of available land came in third (48%). Interestingly, 63% of FMB members said that the number of small building site opportunities is decreasing and 60% reported that the process of obtaining planning consent for such land is becoming harder. It’s hoped the Levelling-up and Regeneration Act 2023 will cut this red tape and make the process of constructing new homes simpler and quicker.
MARVELLOUS MIMIC Available in eight shades, with a matte or polished finished, the new Jurassic Luce marble effect porcelain tiles from Stone &Ceramic Warehouse are a realistic and affordable alternative to real marble.
Suitable for both walls and floors, the waterproof tiles come in four sizes and prices start from just £86.40/m2 .
BOOK OF THE MONTH
BUILDING WITH EARTH: TIMELESS TECHNIQUE FOR MODERN ARCHITECTURE A centuries-old construction technique, rammed earth is a sustainable, cost-effective building solution that many overlook. In this book, architects from around the world present their projects throu
