Councils reject relaxed building rules

The LGA, which represents more than 400 councils in England and Wales, warned the plans could result in “unsightly and out-of-place” developments.

The proposals, unveiled by the Government last month, would relax permitted developments rights – rules which detail what does and does not need planning permission – to allow property extensions of up to 8m, in a bid to encourage growth in the construction sector.

Ministers pledged to consult on the plans before implementing them.

But speaking to the Daily Mail, the LGA’s Mike Jones said: “This policy potentially gives the green light to unsightly and out-of-place development without delivering a big enough boost to the construction industry to justify the potential damage.

“The planning process works to ensure development is suitable for a local area and doesn’t unduly impact neighbours.”