<p><span>The government will lay out in parliament today (July 21) details of some of its previously announced changes to planning rules, including a fast track approval process to extend homes upwards.</span><span></span></p> <p><span>Under the new laws, which the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) said would be implemented by September, home owners can add up to two additional storeys to their home to create new homes or add more living space. The quick approval process will include a requirement to “carefully consider” the impact on neighbours and the extension’s appearance.</span><span></span></p> <p><span>“This will reduce pressure to build on greenfield sites and deliver more homes that fit the character of their local area, without the red tape,” MHCLG explained.</span><span></span></p> <p><span>The new rules also grant the ability to demolish and rebuild unused buildings as new homes without a full planning application. Commercial and retail properties can also be “quickly” repurposed to help revitalise town centres.</span><span></span></p> <p><span>MHCLG said that under the changes, local authorities would still need to consider the “temporary impact” of Covid-19 when deciding upon permissions.</span><span></span></p> <p><span>And the new laws do not apply to pubs, libraries, village shops “and other buildings essential to communities”.</span><span></span></p> <p><span>These new flexibilities were announced on June …