§ Mr. Jim CunninghamTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to amend planning law in respect of the siting of dormer windows. [114919]
§ Ms Beverley HughesThe Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 1995 grants a general planning permission for a range of minor works of development to dwelling houses. This includes the insertion of dormer windows, subject to certain limits on size and except where it would alter a roof slope facing a highway. In granting permitted development rights, we have to strike a balance between giving freedoms to individual householders to improve their homes, and protecting the amenity of neighbouring properties. We are not aware of any significant problems in the exercise of permitted development rights relating to dormer windows and therefore have no plans to change these at the present time. We will, however, continue to monitor any representations received on this issue.