Government planning proposals will lead to 'disharmony and division' between neighbours (From Enfield Independent)

Government planning proposals will lead to 'disharmony and division' between neighbours, claims Enfield Borough Council

2:00pm Sunday 7th October 2012 in News By Hermione Wright

Enfield Borough Council claims Government proposals to relax planning rules will lead to “disharmony and division” between neighbours.

If passed, the law would allow for larger extensions than currently permitted to be built without the need for planning permission.

Although the proposals are yet to go to consultation, the council is ready to oppose the plans.

Cabinet member for environment, Councillor Chris Bond, said: “These proposed new planning arrangements will lead to disharmony and division between neighbours and could lead to excessively large extensions which would be ugly and have a poor impact on the character of the area, result in disputes and have a significant impact on privacy.

“We'll be going through these proposals with a fine toothcomb when they are released, to see if there is any flexibility in them but in the mean time we will continue to press the Government with utmost vigour against these proposals, which in our view are contrary to their principles of localism."

The council is concerned some developments will be of low quality and not in keeping with the rest of the area.

It also believes the law could strip the authority of its power to intervene if structures are unsuitable or dangerous.

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