How could a change in planning regulations impact the way we use our homes?

The government has recently announced plans to relax planning laws for homeowners. These changes will make it easier for homeowners to build extensions such as conservatories.

The coalition claims that a significant number of households could take advantage of the package, which will allow single-story extensions of up to eight metres (26 feet and 3 inches) without planning permission.

This is being done in a bid to boost the economy and help remove delays and ‘red tape’ that homeowners typically face. In addition, the government claims that it will be easier for households to cater for a growing family at a time when moving home has become almost unaffordable.

The emergency year-long, free-for-all house extension reform means that homeowners will not need to seek council planning permission. This is also expected to apply to lofts, garages and other extensions of a property within the limit. Following this recent development to conservatory planning regulations, a number of homeowners are now considering what they would do with the additional space from a conservatory.

New research from Everest Home Improvements reveals that over half of those surveyed (55%) would use the extra space from a conservatory as an additional sitting room.

Conservatories offer a number of possibilities for homeowners as they can transform the look and feel of a property. In addition to providing beautiful natural light to your property, a conservatory could be used as a stunning extension of your living area. There are a number of things you can use the extra space for, such as a dining room, an extension of the kitchen or a guest room.

The research found that more people would like to use a conservatory to grow plants (10%) than use the space a second dining room (8%). A further 13% said they would use the additional space as an extended part of the kitchen and 2% would convert their conservatory into a guest room.

Some 6% would enjoy the view and soak in the atmosphere by transforming a conservatory into a home office and 4% would use the space as a children’s playroom.

The research found that women are typically more in favour of turning their conservatory into a second dining room, extension of the kitchen and extra sitting room. In comparison, men are typically in favour of using a conservatory to grow plants and create a home office.

Converting a conservatory into an extra sitting room is particularly popular amongst those who are over 55, with a massive 60% of them considering this space option. Almost half (49%) of 35-54 year olds would also like to use a conservatory as an extra sitting room.

61% of residents from the Midlands and Wales polled saying they would use the extra space in a conservatory as a sitting room, as would 52% of those from the South and 55% from the North and Scotland.