Families living in
built up areas will be able to extend new homes in a government shake up of
city living.
Housing Secretary
Sajid Javid has confirmed government backing to create a new generation of town
houses in cities like London and Manchester to ease pressure on valuable open
spaces and help growing families.
Under the changes it
will be easier to build upwards on existing blocks of flats and houses as well
as shops and offices.
For example, an
additional 2 levels could be added to a property – provided it was in keeping
with the roofline of other buildings in the area.
It will ensure
councils can protect valuable open space in inner city areas, maintain the
character of residential areas, safeguard people’s privacy and stop unwanted
garden grabbing. These developments must remain in keeping with the character
of the local area, including the preservation of listed buildings and
conservation areas.
Housing Secretary
Sajid Javid said: "The answer to building new homes isn’t always an empty
plot, or developing on a derelict site.
"We need to be
more creative and make more effective use of the space we already have
available.
"That’s why we
are looking to strengthen planning rules to encourage developers to be more
innovative and look at opportunities to build upwards where possible when
delivering the homes the country needs."
Delivering
development in built up areas is an important part of the government’s housing
white paper proposals.
This policy will be
included in the revised draft National Planning Policy Framework, which is due
for consultation in early 2018.
