Dr Julian Lewis:  To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what assessment he has made of the potential effect on the (a) rights and (b) quality of life of existing leaseholders in apartment blocks of policies that encourage the construction of additional floors above them while they are in residence.  [149717]

[To be Answered on 10 February.]

ANSWER

The Minister of State for Housing (Chris Pincher): We have recently introduced new permitted development rights to allow certain existing buildings to extend upwards by two storeys to create new homes. The rights are subject to prior approval by the local planning authority on specific matters including a proposals potential impact on the amenity of neighbours. This ensures that people who might be affected by such a development can feed their views into the decision making process.

The terms of individual leases will determine whether a freeholder can add additional floors to a property with or without the consent of existing leaseholders.