Planning minister Nick Raynsford has unveiled strict new rules to control alterations to unlisted buildings in conservation areas.
In future, planning consent will be required to demolish walls, chimneys, porches and fences, Raynsford announced on Tuesday in reply to a written parliamentary question.

Under existing rules, unlisted dwellings can be altered without consent.

Raynsford said the government was considering tightening the law even further to outlaw permitted development rights.

Under this rule, homeowners in conservation areas are allowed to make changes to unlisted dwellings without planning consent.