THE leader of Havering Council has criticised Government plans to allow homeowners to extend their houses by eight metres without planning permission.
Cllr Michael White says the proposal, which will double the current limit of four metres, may have a deep impact on the quality of life of neighbouring residents.
The proposals, announced last month by Eric Pickles, the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government and also the MP for Brentwood and Ongar, would change the current planning rules.
At present the rules state that permission must be sought for any extension above four metres, if a detached house, and three metres for semis and terraced houses.
An extension also must not cover more than 50 per cent of the original garden area.
Mr White, who has joined other local authorities speaking out against the proposal, said: "We support the principal of cutting red tape and making home improvements easier, but we are concerned that the current proposals could lead to a great deal of stress for residents in Havering, where people typically have small suburban gardens.
"Nobody wants to see neighbours at war over extensions so we would ask the Government to think again about how to reduce red tape while still protecting the integrity of our neighbourhoods."
On September 20, Richmond Council spoke out about the Government's plans and was followed by Sutton Council.
