The final version of the Addendum to Planning Policy Statement 7 - Safeguarding the Character of Established Residential Areas - was published on 10 August 2010.  This follows consultation on the draft version of the document which concluded in March 2010.  The finalised policy is of interest to groups and individuals who want to secure better new development in residential areas. 

The addendum contains policies that:

• set minimum sizes for new build houses, flats and apartments;
• set additional criteria for the conversion of existing buildings to flats or apartments;
• require the density of new residential development to be not significantly higher than that found in the established residential area; and
• encourage the use of permeable paving in new developments.

The full version of the finalised addendum can be downloaded from Planning Service's website.