Industry News

Village residents to build homes without planning permission? July 23, 2010

The government has proposed those living in rural villagers may soon be able to build property without planning permission.

Under the Right to Build scheme, which is part of David Cameron's 'big society' idea, residents could form local housing trusts and approve new building work if a majority vote was reached.

Housing minister Grant Shapps said he hopes the initiative will allow villages to thrive and develop.

The countryside must be a vibrant place to live and cannot be allowed to become a museum, he stated.

"I want to give communities the power to preserve their villages, which are currently struggling to survive because of a shortage of affordable homes," Mr Shapps explained.

However, the Campaign to Protect Rural England raised concerns that the planning process would be bypassed for a "simple public ballot".

Puget Sound Energy also recently advised that self-build projects should be undertaken carefully and that proper safety precautions should be taken.

© Adfero Ltd

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