A SOUTHALL pensioner is petitioning against proposed changes to planning laws that he says will spell disaster for the area’s ‘beds in sheds’ problem.
Tony Whittle, who has lived in the area for more than 40 years, said government plans to introduce a year-long free-for-all in building housing extensions are a ‘singularly stupid act.’
Under the new proposals, intended to boost economic growth, homeowners could build up to between six and eight metres in their back gardens in non-protected areas without planning permission.
Mr Whittle, who lives just off Southall Broadway said: “This made me very angry. It’s a stupid thing for the government to do and I am currently collecting signatures for a petition which I will present at the next meeting of the full council.
“This is a terrible idea for Southall. There are already so many houses and one of the worst things about it is that people will not fully understand the law so it will make the situation with beds in sheds even worse.
“People will start building and the housing system in this area will not be able to cope. The council should do all it can to reject and fight these proposals.
“I would urge anyone to support me in my efforts to reject any laws that will make our borough into a slum.”
Southall, along with other parts of the country, already has a major problem with beds in sheds - buildings used as dwellings without planning permission. A Channel 4 documentary screened last year showed that they are used to house people living in the country illegally.
Beds in sheds are also a major fire hazard. Figures from London Fire Brigade show more than one person has died or been seriously injured every month in the past three years in fires in buildings where people should not have been living.
Julian Bell, leader of Ealing Council, said: “Prime Minister David Cameron is making up planning policy on the hoof and has got into a right mess. It is sheer desperation to try and launch an economic growth strategy on the back of allowing a planning free-for-all that would mean extensions twice the size as is currently allowed.
“We already have a significant problem with overcrowded HMOs, illegal outbuildings and beds in sheds. This just gives the green light for more of the same.”
David Millican, Ealing’s Conservative leader added: “Many of the ideas proposed will aid the growth that this country so evidently needs, whilst slashing unnecessary red tape across the planning system.
“However these are still proposals being consulted on, and there are some elements, such as householders’ ability to extend their homes, that need further discussion and I will welcome the government’s announcements in due course.”
