The Government has announced that back gardens are to be reclassified for planning purposes. The effect of this is that it will be easier to for Local Planning Authorities to oppose applications from developers to develop garden land as the developer will not be able to argue that the land is 'brownfield'.
At the same time, however, the Government is also proposing that local residents have more say over development in their area. It may be the case that if a development proposal has strong local support that planning permission will still be granted even if the land is garden land.
I shall provide a further update once the detail of the changes is provided.
*Update* I've posted the relevant extract from the new PPS3 here
Steven Petty, Commercial Property Solicitor
This blog is not intended to constitute legal advice, nor is it intended to be a complete and authoritative statement of the law, and what we say might be out of date by the time you read it. You should always seek legal advice to confirm whether or how any information in this article applies to your particular situation. We offer a free telephone consultation to discuss your particular circumstances.