The COVID-19 lockdown situation has had an effect on a number of businesses. Construction projects are no exception. With this in mind, here is what you need to know about recent temporary changes to planning permissions.
Extension
If your planning approval has an expiry date between the start of the lockdown period and the end of 2020, then you will be granted an extension of time.
Housing Secretary, Robert Jenrick, confirmed this would apply to any permissions granted from 1st March 2020 up until the end of this year and that permissions would be extended up until the 1st April 2021.
Why was this put in place?
It is estimated that construction fell by 40 per cent in April, affecting 400 permissions that in turn would have meant the loss of 24,000 new homes.
These measures have been put in place to prevent projects being cancelled, thereby not only ensuring new homes can be built, but also protecting construction jobs (and creating some new ones in the process).
This has also proven to be a timely announcement, with recent estimates suggesting a 4 per cent increase in demand for new build properties in June 2020.
What you need to know
Be sure to keep informed about any new dates that may be assigned to your planning application. It is also recommended that as a matter of courtesy, you discuss any new building timelines with neighbours, so that they are aware and updated with the unexpected changes.
If you have any concerns and you need some assistance, do feel free to contact us at hello@agoraarchitects.co.uk