Developers welcome Government pledge to help first-time buyers

“it is really simple.
If you do not have the money, you do not get the house. Period.”

“Asodeska
"It is government giveaways like this that caused the economic crash in the U.S."

Well we had a system whereby a housing association would own 25% and the other 75% was mortgaged by the owner?
That to me sounded sensible to get the market moving.
A house/accommodation is like a loaf of bread essential.
They are to expensive by a mile but what else can be done?
To buy when I was looking for first house the deposit was achievable by working full time and a part time job.
Now however it is virtually impossible for an individual to save £18/20 k for deposit.
House prices need to crash 50% in my view in the UK.
And I think the banks/gov know it”

“It is government giveaways like this that caused the economic crash in the U.S.
They were called NINJA mortgages - no income, no jobs, no downpayment required to get a house. Banks were forced to accept these bad mortgages, and it was done such a scale that it collapsed the markets. This was a gift from the Democrats, the Left in America. Why is Cameron doing virtually the same thing in the UK?”

“Another government fiasco.”

“Matt, Ladybugs,
I agree 100 percent with what you both say, a very well put case.
If I may put my point forward, as i have an interest in this.
When the planning rules/regulations were relaxed in 2008 (i think), every one thought that they could just build, build, build and a lot of people became unstuck.
The idea was you could build bigger without permission as long as you qualify for all the tick boxes through permitted development and apply for a Lawful Development. What they did not mention was that they had added a lot more tick boxes, and if you missed or failed just one of these tick boxes, your application was refused, and you had to apply for full planning and pay another application fee.
The refusal was down to each individual planning officer. People in the trade realised that it was just as easy to go for a full planning application, as this was more likely to be passed than a Lawful Development.
With the new(er) rules, I fear more chaos and confusion.”

“courtmarion - Apart from planning policy in terms of liberalising certain types of development, any development needs to comply with various statutory regulations - so not sure it will be a free for all.

A large number of developments refused by planning authorities are subsequently approved by planning inspectors on appeal - quite a number being refused because of local populist sentiments rather than on planning merits - much expense and time spent on these by all involved and ultimately the taxpayer picks up the tabs. Hopefully councils will wake up and do the right thing to facilitate - not hinder development and save money and time for all involved.”

“Matt1006 - most council planning departments would discuss any intended development free of charge with prospective applicants to identify any special requirements and clarify matters such as permitted development rights, location in relation to boundaries and other structures, and areas needing further consideration via a planning application. Building regs are quite a different matter and deal with foundations, and structural integrity, fire and other safety, energy loss, etc, in fact building regs need not involve the council - can be dealt with by a specialist contractor approved for such matters including inspection and certification of the statutory requirements.”

“Cowboys will have a field day and cuckoos will be building extensions too big and tall and then saying we did not understand the new laws when the building inspectors knock on the door. YAHOO!!”

“Hi Matt, yes thought of getting OPP........but then thought "would I want to see houses in what is an unrivalled position looking over fantastic countryside" . The answer would be NO.
The houses would fetch silly prices, anyway, because of the position.

You will have to forgive me for being a right 'b' know-it-all.

Actually, anybody that doesn't know about planning and building regs. your comments are very
helpful”

“2ladybugs - you sound well clued-up on Planning & Building Regs. Was going to offer my services to you. Oh well. If you have a large plot of land, have you thought about getting at least Outline Planning Permission? Then sell the site off to a developer, and make yourself a tidy sum. Or get Full Planning, meaning you get a direct say on what gets built next door to your own residence...!!!

Sadly there will be some who think they will be able to build an 8m extension how they like, only to then find they have fallen foul of the Building Regs, and/or discover they did need Planning Permission only when the letter from the Planning Enforcement Officer arrives. As with so many things, ignorance will be no defence, but if the relaxation on Permitted Development does come in (once the consultation has been completed), I hope there is plenty of information on who can do what.

I know from experience that some home owners believe that they can do what they like within the boundaries of their own little piece of England. Some don't know the Building Regs even exist. Others think you just send a set of drawings and a cheque to the Council, and can crack on with the works straight away. 8 weeks for planning (and potentially the same again for Building Regs) - but we've got a builder ready to start next Monday..... Best revise the date for your planned extension-warming party...!!!

£25 paid to the local Planning Department to establish whether your property does or doesn't have PD rights will be £25 well spent, if it turns out you don't...!!!”