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Orthodox delight as government relaxes planning law on house extensions

Charedi community welcome relaxed government rules on loft conversions and extensions.

September 19, 2008 14:48

ByLeon Symons, Leon Symons

1 min read

The Charedi community has welcomed a government move to relax rules on loft conversions and the construction of rear extensions to houses.

From October 1, many householders will be able to build an extension or a loft conversion without having to seek planning permission. The £1,000 fee to be granted specific planning permission will also be dropped.

Ita Symons, chief executive of Agudas Israel Housing Association (AIHA), said: "This is the most fantastic news. It will have a very strong impact on bigger families in the Orthodox Jewish community in Hackney and Haringey, many of whom have been living in overcrowded conditions.

"The fact that the fees have also been scrapped is important for those families who could not afford them. These new rules should make the process much easier and people should be allowed to get on with it. This is long overdue."