• The incredible growth of householder applications means they now represent over half of the average planning authority’s caseload. That’s despite the current system allowing many minor householder improvements to go ahead without planning restrictions. In 2004-2005 planning authorities received 340,000 planning applications for householder developments making up 53% of the average planning authority’s total caseload compared to just 37% 10 years ago. And 87% of householder applications are granted.
• Appeals against decisions have almost doubled since 2000.
• All this means householders may face expense and delay as authorities are struggling under the burden of meeting target times for decisions and the costs involved. A review found that the system also means many householders could not easily understand what didn’t need planning consent without getting clearance from a local authority.
• Rising house prices preventing growing families from moving while planning restrictions prevent minor adaptation of their existing homes.
• Homeowners wanting to tackle climate change should be helped rather than hindered from making improvements which would increase energy efficiency, including production and conservation resources – for example, installing solar panels or wind turbines.

Local councils are also keen for a change says Sandy Bruce Lockhart, chairman of the Local Government Association. "Homeowners should be able to make home improvements such as loft conversions, conservatories and solar panels without getting bogged down in unnecessary planning red tape. At the same time, local people and councils must be able to make sure that any new development or alterations to people’s homes don’t harm their neighbours or the local area.”