Property

In the current economic downturn, with people finding it harder to move in a constricted housing market, they may instead want to stay put and improve their existing homes. Helpfully, the planning system is being relaxed to accommodate this – the new rules should allow more homeowners to extend their properties without having to obtain planning permission.

Boris Johnson’s planning strategies mean that we need to make better use of the space we have in Central London, so the idea of building on top of, underneath, or adjacent to buildings is officially being encouraged.

The Mayor is also keen on using urban space more intensively with ideas such as 'green roofs', which provide space to sit outside, as well as improving insulation. Feature continues

So whether you’re a creative homeowner or a professional architect, we are welcoming your submissions for home-improvement ideas in a design competition to find the best ways of creating more space to live in London. (Please note: it costs £100 to enter your project for this contest.)

The finalists (approximately 35 projects) will be selected and displayed in an exhibition at The Building Centre in central London in December. From this list, the judges will select winners in each category. The exhibition will feature some of the most innovative and energy-efficient products and materials employed by these home-extension schemes.For details on prizes and how to enter, go to the entry form or see more details on the NLA's website.