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Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick said that sweeping away the red tape will help to revive beleaguered high streets and town centres. The new rules, which will come into effect by September, will allow more space for new businesses and help them to adapt quickly to what consumers and businesses need, he said. Homeowners will also be able to add up to two additional storeys to their home to create new homes or more living space for growing families through a fast track approval process, with a requirement to carefully consider the impact on neighbours and the appearance of the extension.

Mr Jenrick said that this will reduce pressure to build on greenfield sites and deliver more homes that fit the character of their local area.

Later this month the Government will set out plans to reform England’s seventy-year-old planning system.

Mr Jenrick said: “We are reforming the planning system and cutting out unnecessary bureaucracy to give small business owners the freedom they need to adapt and evolve, and to renew our town centres with new enterprises and more housing.

“These changes will help transform boarded up, unused buildings safely into high quality homes at the heart of their communities. It will mean that families can add up to two storeys to their home, providing much needed additional space for children or elderly relatives as their household grows.”

Pubs, libraries, village shops and other buildings essential to communities will not be covered by the changes.

Last week the Government announced changes to ensure theatres, concert halls and live music performance venues are saved for future generations.

Councils will need to take the temporary impact of coronavirus into account when considering permission for change of use, redevelopment or demolition of these buildings.

Today’s announcement follows recent measures to support home building across England, including the Government’s new £12billion affordable homes programme.

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