Out-of-town mezzanines will require planning permission
Mezzanines in out-of-town stores will require planning permission from next month, following the Government's announcement today on planning system reforms.

The changes state mezzanines and other internal floorspace increases above 2,150 sq ft 200 sq m in buildings used for retail purposes, other than for the sale of hot food, will require planning permission from May 10.

Planning Minister Yvette Cooper said: 'Some out-of-town retailers have been using mezzanines for substantial expansions, without knowing how this has an impact on town centres. Up until now, local planning authorities could do nothing about it. These changes will help them support their town centre's regeneration.'

The reforms also state most types of planning application will now have to be accompanied by a design and access statement; Local Development Orders will enable Local Planning Authorities (LPAs) to grant planning permission in advance for certain types of development; and a change to the determination period for a major application means that LPAs will now have 13 weeks - an increase of five weeks - to determine a major application before an applicant can appeal on the basis of non-determination. This is an attempt to give more time to consider the views of the community and ensure more considered decisions are taken for major proposals.

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