Feared consequence of government relaxation of planning rules
Cllr Peter Thompson, Leader of the Hounslow Conservatives, has written to the Communities Secretary Eric Pickles MP opposing the recent proposals to increase development rights for extensions to homes and businesses in non-protected areas as follows:
"At a meeting of our Borough Council last week a motion was put forward opposing and asking the Government to review its proposals “to extend permitted development rights for homeowners and businesses” which as you know, will particularly allow homeowners to make larger extensions to their homes without requiring planning permission.
"Both Labour and the Conservative Groups unanimously supported the motion because, like Richmond Council, we wish to safeguard the quality of the built environment in our local area and believe that a rash of ugly extensions will crop up as a result, giving local residents no opportunity whatsoever to have their say.
"We strongly urge you to re-consider this policy in the interests of localism and a sustainable environment."
December 12, 2012