Homeowners in England are now able to build bigger extensions without planning permission for good after temporary rules were made permanent in parliament.
Under the new rules, single storey extension limits have been doubled to up to 6m for terraced and semi-detached homes, and larger extensions up to 8m long for detached houses.
Since 2014, over 100,000 homeowners have taken advantage of the temporary rules which have not only doubled, but don't require planning permission from local authorities.
Instead of waiting months for approval, homeowners now notify their local council of the building work beforehand, who in turn then inform the neighbours to the property.
However if neighbours raise objections, the council then decides if the extension is likely to harm the character or enjoyment of the area.
The government report says it gives homeowners certainty to make plans to extend their homes this summer without a full planning application, while providing consideration of the impact on neighbours.
Housing Minister, Kit Malthouse MP, said: "These measures will help families extend their properties without battling through time-consuming red tape. By making this permitted development right permanent, it will mean families can grow without being forced to move.
"This is part of a package of reforms to build more, better, faster and make the housing market work - and sits alongside our drive to deliver 300,000 homes a year by the mid 2020s."
As well as good news for homeowners, under the new reforms shops will now be able to change office space without the need for a full planning application.
The move builds upon changes to the law which allow business owners to change the use of buildings from takeaways to new homes without undergoing a full planning application.
To help deliver a greater mix of uses on the high street, the changes also allow the temporary change of use from high street uses such shops, offices, and betting shops to certain community uses such as a library or public hall.
