News Release

20th September 2012

Survey suggests the jury's out on new planning changes proposal

In light of the recent Government announcement on the relaxation of some of the planning rules, IronmongeryDirect, the UK's largest multichannel supplier of ironmongery products to the trade, conducted a survey of their customers' view.

The new proposals will allow homeowners and local businesses to build larger extensions, without needing to get permission for a three-year period until 2015*.

Managing Director at IronmongeryDirect Wayne Lysaght-Mason says: "The results show that some of our customers need more convincing as to whether this will help boost the economy, with only 58% of those who responded saying that the temporary change will have a positive impact on the building economy. Some expressed the view that the availability of finance is the main restriction of growth in this area."

Other concerns expressed by customers included the increased risk of ‘cowboy builders’ taking advantage of the surge of new building projects and whether homeowners will still have to adhere to the Buildings Regulations.

Some local councils seem to be taking measures to protect their constituency amid fears of a rash of ugly extensions by opposing the government’s proposals, the BBC has reported.

-ends-

Notes to editors

* The Government plans on letting homeowners build larger extensions without needing to get permission (in non conservation area). For a three-year period, until 2015, people will be able to install conservatories or garage extensions by up to 8m for detached homes and 6m for others.

IronmongeryDirect website poll:

236 respondents (joiners, carpenters, builders, shop fitters, glazers, DIY)

100% said they were aware of the recent Planning and Housing rule changes, with regards to building bigger extensions without planning permission.

58% said they believed that this temporary rule change will increase property extensions and have a positive impact on the building economy.

57% said they fully understood the rule change and its restrictions.

Company details for publication

Ironmongery Direct

Scimitar Park

Basildon

Essex

SS13 1ND

www.IronmongeryDirect.com

About IronmongeryDirect
IronmongeryDirect has been in the business of supplying architectural ironmongery to builders, joiners and shop fitters for over 40 years starting out as a traditional Ironmonger’s shop. Today IronmongeryDirect delivers thousands of parcels every week to tradesmen all over the UK. With the UK’s biggest range of quality products in stock for next day delivery, a 30 day ‘no quibble’ guarantee, an award winning service and low trade prices, this makes IronmongeryDirect the master of its trade.

For further information please contact Louise Gough or Jana Pavelkova at the Think Tank on 020 7831 2225 (louiseg@thinktank.org.uk or janap@thinktank.org.uk)

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