The Governments flagship Growth and Infrastructure Act became law on 25th April 2013. The Act contains a raft of measures aimed at kick starting economic growth in England. It includes planning measures that allow the modification or discharge of the affordable housing elements of S106 Agreements, in order to make developments more viable.
In addition, the Act extends permitted development rights to allow single storey extensions, of up to eight metres, at the rear of residential properties, subject to neighbour consultations. Measures are also included which seek to simplify the planning system by limiting the amount of information that a local planning authority can require to be submitted as part of a planning application.