The Government has announced that time restraints on planning consent for large property projects will be extended to allow developers time to start building again.

The economic downturn has led to a decrease in the number of property companies building new houses, factories and offices even when they have gained planning permission. Permits that are not used expire automatically after three years. However, John Healey, housing and planning minister, said that permits could now be extended for another three years through a simpler, cheaper process.

The changes won’t allow a developer to change what they are building and will only apply to large developments which are above 10 homes or 1,000sqm of commercial space.

Healey also announced changes for developers to build to greener standards, making homes cheaper to heat and run. He launched a consultation on changes to the building regulations to deliver the first step towards zero-carbon buildings and carbon savings of over three million tonnes a year from 2020. In addition, local authorities will have the freedom to make changes to large developments and town centres.