Permitted development for new homes and householder extensions under the reissued General Permitted Development Order

Abstract

Since the National Planning Policy Framework was published in 2012 the Government has been consistent in its approach to getting the country building and stimulating the economy. After 20 years the General Permitted Development Order was consolidated and reissued in 2015 and this could represent an entire shift in the focus for planning applications and new development in the future. The paper explains the basic provisions of Permitted Development in the form of householder extensions, before looking at the headline-grabbing Prior Approval, including the conversion of offices and agricultural buildings to new homes. The process is however not as straight forward as it first seems and within the provisions of the order there are a number of considerations that can stall a seemingly simple development from being passed. The paper concludes that the scope and potential of the legislation could be a game changer in the future. Although it would take a brave Government to introduce it, the notion of ‘Have Life Flexibility’ is one that this paper ends with, setting out a hypothetical scenario whereby new homes and entire housing estates could be, one day, allowed under Permitted Development.