Planning system simplified to reduce applications

Planning rules for carrying out home improvements and some small building projects are to be simplified from next month to reduce the number of applications submitted.

The government said the updated regulations would improve the "speed and efficiency of the process" and reduce the cost of certain projects for residents.

Cabinet Office Minister David Ashford said it would "reduce the burden" on owners, and support the construction industry by encouraging improvements.

Changes include the broadening out of works that can be undertaken in conservation areas and new provisions for porches and chimney pipes.

A further revision allows extensions be added to houses to be more than double the size the current permitted size, increasing from 49 sq ft to 114 sq ft (15 sq m to 35 sq m) depending on the size of the house and garden.

The changes update and replace the Town and Country Planning (Permitted Development) Order 2012.

It follows a review of the island's permitted development allowances, which enable some small, uncontroversial developments to take place with out applying for permission.

The changes also include updated rules on replacing windows and roofs, adding roof extensions, building porches, installing chimneys, increasing the size of detached garages and car ports and the rebuilding sheds or garages.

Local authorities will also be given powers to install play equipment and public art and hold events.

The Cabinet Office said about 1,400 applications were made each year under the former legislation between 2020 and 2023.

More than 60% of those sought full planning approval for smaller proposals, and included about 70 applications each year for replacing windows to properties in conservation areas.

Ashford said the moves to modernise the regulations, which had been informed by a public consultation, would "enable planning authorities to focus their efforts on more significant and complex applications".

"The changes will reduce the burden placed on building owners, encourage investments in, and improvements to properties, and in doing so they will also support the construction industry," he added.

The new rules were approved politicians at the February sitting of Tynwald.

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