Relaxing planning rules in Redbridge could cause ‘real problems’, says council chief

The relaxing of planning regulations to allow home extensions could cause “real problems” and “remove the power the council has to protect residents”.

That was the verdict of planning cabinet member Cllr Shoaib Patel, who indicated he was opposed to plans to relax rules for three years so people can build extensions up to eight meters long on detached houses.

The government hopes the relaxation will encourage economic growth.

Cllr Patel added: “There may be implications for council resources. There may be a reduction in planning application and an increase in complaints.”

In response to questions of whether the council will lobby the government in opposition to the plans, Cllr Patel said “finer details” of the proposals were yet to be released, adding: “The devil is in the detail.

“Until we get the details it’s difficult for me to agree with everything.”

Last week the Recorder reported on the concerns of Goodmayes Residents’ Association member Jim O’Halloran, who said the relaxation of planning rules would be an “absolute disaster”.