CONSULTATION ON THE GOVERNMENT'S PLAN TO EXTEND PERMITTED DEVELOPMENT RIGHTS

That this House notes that following the recent announcement by the Government, additional permitted development rights will be granted to homeowners to build large extensions and conservatories until 2015 without necessarily planning permission being required; recognises that there will be a consultation before this is implemented; urges local authorities and community groups to raise their concerns about the potential impact on areas with large numbers of homes in multiple occupation; further recognises that under the proposed changes, restrictions will apply in conservation and other sensitive areas; and further urges the Department for Communities and Local Government to include in the definition of sensitive areas those areas covered by an Article 4 direction, and where local authorities have recognised the threat to sustainable communities by the conversion of too many family homes to houses in multiple occupation.