HOMEOWNERS could find it easier to build extensions to their properties under controversial new Tory proposals.

One of the party’s policy groups, which is investigating ways to improve the quality of life, says planning curbs should be relaxed for people who want to improve their homes.

The group, chaired by John Gummer, the former environment secretary, argues that homeowners should have a “fundamental right” to do as they wish with their properties.

Under the Tory plans, homeowners would be able to build extensions, loft conversions and conservatories without planning permission as long as their neighbours agreed.

They would also be able to make environmentally friendly alterations such as installing wind turbines and solar roof panels.

The proposals come weeks after David Cameron, the Tory leader, won a protracted battle to erect a turbine and solar panels on the roof of his west London home.

Kensington and Chelsea council threw out objections from residents who feared that the alterations would be an eyesore, but imposed a string of conditions on the size and colour of the turbine.

Under the Tory scheme, all houses built since 1945 would be exempt from the planning regime. Householders wanting to improve their homes would notify the local authority and their neighbours a month before work began.

If neighbours objected, it would be up to the local authority, at its own expense, to challenge the extension or alteration.

The matter would then be referred to an independent arbitrator who would decide whether the neighbours had grounds for complaint — for example, if the building overshadowed their own property or was an eyesore.

Gummer said: “He would, without delay, decide whether the neighbour’s objection was so valid that it should override the fundamental right of the owner to do as he wishes with his property. If conciliation failed, he would make a binding determination.”

The proposals will raise fears that some cash-strapped local authorities will fail to challenge alterations to private homes, even if local residents object to the plans.

Critics will say that the proposals could lead to uncontrolled developments in villages and suburban gardens.

The government is planning its own loosening of regulations to make it easier for householders to install solar panels or turbines on their homes.

Labour has accused the Tories of being inconsistent because last month they accused the government of making it too easy to build new blocks of flats in gardens.

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