Taylor Vinters - Solicitors

Published by Tim Hill.

The coalition government is aiming to tackle the issue of 'garden grabbing', as part of its plans to amend the country's planning system.

Through their proposals, ministers are hoping to prevent gardens from being classed as areas of brownfield land.

It is hoped that this measure could enable local councils to turn down developments that they do not support.

According to the coalition's minister for decentralisation, Greg Clark, it is wrong to classify gardens as patches of brownfield land.

He stated: "It is ridiculous that gardens have until now been classified in the same group as derelict factories and disused railway sidings."

The politician added that he is looking to get councils more involved in planning processes.

Following the government's announcement, the director general of the Horticultural Trades Association, David Gwyther, gave his backing to its plans, highlighting the importance of green spaces in urban parts of the country.

Amy Richardson of Taylor Vinters stated: "A great deal has been made about stopping developers 'garden grabbing', but essentially local planning authorities have always had powers to stop this sort of development should they believe it to be inappropriate.

"Indeed, although the government has made an amendment to the PSS3: Housing and reclassified gardens, there is nothing stopping planning permissions to build on gardens being granted if the council feels it is appropriate."

Please contact Michaela Henson, Head of Property for further information or call 01223 225178