I guess that what houses look like doesn't matter anymore either. We have been house-hunting recently and we have seen so many houses that are priced to reflect multiple extra bedrooms and ensuites - but not priced to reflect the fact that the extensions are so incredibly ugly, the proportions of the original house are lost and even fundamentals like brickwork and windows don't match. An ugly extension also impacts on the view and house price of the neighbours. The idea that these can continue unabated is depressing for the look of the built environment.

C Baxter, London,

You don't need planning permission for a loft conversion in any case, provided you use skylight windows. It is only when a dormer window is installed that planning permission is required. What you do need is building regulations authority - and I've not seen any suggestion that this is going to change.

David Walsh, Derby,

The next step will be to tax extensions and those who make a buck developing their gardens....how about calling Planning Gain Tax.

michael, Somerset, UK

If Messrs Brown, Kelly and co are as eco-concious as they claim, will they be prepared to build into the so-called "Impact Statements" protection for trees that will otherwise be decimated in the process of property developments and house extensions. This is already happening at an alarming rate.Trees are vitally important in maintaining ecological balance, especially if global warming advances as predicted. There is already major concern on a world-wide scale about the loss of trees by logging and infrastucture developments. Urban living is healthier living with trees because they absorb poisonous chemicals, trap sooty particles, improve air quality and provide shade that could reduce the risk of skin cancer, and help conserve energy in adjacent buildings.. They can also reduce the risk of flooding after rainstorms, and help reclaim derelict land and provide habitats for wild-life. Our trees MUST be preserved and protected. Without them, we would not be here.

Mark du Cane, Maidenhead,

The relaxation of the restrictions on alterations to private houses is long overdue. It is not an exaggeration to say that there is a crisis in local authority planning departments, who spending far too much time looking at very minor issues, costing a fortune in tax payer's money, only to nod through major developements. The vast majority of issues subjected to this unecessary, protracted bureaucratic process are trivial. As long as the right safeguards are in place this should be welcomed by everyone. Most people extend their house becauase they want to make them a better home for their family, not to make money and have no interest in upsetting their neighbours. As far as larger developments are concerned, many local authorities are more intimidated by large corporations than thegovernment - just look around any provincial town at the latest superstore or major office developments - very few have any merit other than providing employment.

julian owen, nottingham, UK

What a pathetic lot of whingers have responded to this proposal. Why is that people who always want to stop things are the most vocal? If you live in the city and don't want an extension to overlook you move to the country, if you don't want the airport next to you to expand move further away, if you don't want badly designed extensions littering the place campaign for more architect-led extensions, if you don't want more roads move to Scotland and look at the views. Let the rest of us get on with moving with the times. Lets be more like the French, who have better town centres, better roads, better homes (we in the UK have the smallest homes in the world, and some of the ugliest, not least fake 15th centuty put up by ignorant developers) and better trains. The French are full of tradition yet want to live in the 21st century and they want things in life to ADVANCE and don't let NIMBYs get in their way.

Peter TdC, London,

Great for a lot of people but what about the majority of people who will now suffer from noise and overlooking, why don't these Ministers live in the real world.

Steve Cattle, Bournemouth, U.K.

Ooohhh!

Whoopee for that!

We can all now extend our properties cheaply and make a buck or two......except for the fact that Mr Brown will change the council tax rules so that ultimately you'll all pay double the cost of the planning regs over the time you live in your new extended palace.

Yet another example of the spin we've become so accustomed to with this lying government - "Look we're really working for YOU!", when in reality they're just looking for another way to pick the public's pocket.

As Public Enemy once said - Don't believe the hype!

RW, Madrid, Spain

Are there no limits to the depths this government will sink to in order to get its policies through. They dangle a cherry in front of Joe Public implying they're relaxing the bureaucracy they have imposed on everyone, whereas, in reality, its just a smoke screen to cover their master plan to get unwanted/unpopular projects through such as nuclear power stations, roads & other eyesores that the government wants to impose on us without the restrictions of planning enquiries or public meetings. The idea that people can build extensions/alterations to their house without planning consent will result in conflict between neighbours due to unrestricted eyesores that will be built willy-nilly. There must be planning controls in place to protect peoples rights from unsightly monstrosities being built next to them & in their neighbourhoods. People also have a right to the privacy & perhaps the light that they have enjoyed for years where they live without irresponsible actions of a neighbour

michael pickles, bournemouth, england

This is all about looking after Tesco and the like in reality. I am relieved I don't live next to a detached house where the new freedom would allow them to extend out to 4 metres at the rear without concern for it's impact on adjacent properties. Still it will all increase house values - and the government will be able to take even more tax in increased council tax and inheritance tax.

dinti, Coventry,

What's the point of improving the value of one's home? Any perceived increase in value will be swallowed up in the new council tax laws.

Edwin Thornber, Bucharest, Romania

Here we go again!!!.

Brown wants us to think he is doing us a favour, but all he is after is hiding the changes to our current protection against the high and mighty - in this case BAA.

More green towns and MORE Airport expansion with no local consultations.

Brown is to about to tour the country to "Restore the public's trust in me"---OR ELSE. Putin must be his Icon.

Rogers, SW,

this is totally unacceptable and will lead to a unacceptable developments
another example of this government meddling

akr, Carlisle, uk

This is more dictatership from central government, in removing any local objections from major planning decisions. Gordon Brown agrees with it as he will want to control everthing. This is bad news hiding behind what at first appears reasonable.

Johnny Norfolk, Mileham, Norfolk

At last we are seeing a transparent Labour Government. On the pretext of helping home owners by making it easier for them to enlarge/improve their homes, they are making it easier for themselves to increase the revenue coffers. Pay less to get permission to improve your home, pay more to the Government for having done it!

C Robertson, Valencia, Spain