Residents will be able to add up to SEVEN storeys to their homes without planning permission under Michael Gove's new plans for local street referendums

Residents will be able to add up to seven storeys to their homes without planning permission if a proposal to introduce local street referendums is given the green light. 

The Government is introducing plans to encourage 'gentle densification' which will allow neighbours to decide on whether extensions, basements or loft conversions can be built.

The 'street votes' plan, which currently at consultation stage, aims to encourage residents to work together on what developments they would like to see and in turn could increase house prices.

Levelling Up Secretary Michael Gove pushed the idea forward making sure it was included in legislation passed in 2022, The Times reported, with the department now revealing more detailed aspects of the plan. 

The consultation states that local votes 'will encourage residents to consider the potential for new development on their streets and are intended to deliver additional or more spacious homes in places where they are needed most'. 

Rather than having referendums on individual planning application all households will be allowed to build certain types of developments. 

If at least 20 per cent of locals or ten households submit a proposal for a street plan which is approved by the Planning Inspectorate, the local council must hold a vote on whether to adopt the plan, with a 60 per cent majority required for it to pass.

According to the plans, the vote will take place via post, to allow landlords living elsewhere to take part. 

There will still be a number of rules and regulations in place if the plans go ahead, however, such as preserving green space, celebrating the heritage of an area and making sure there is a 'gradual evolution in character' of areas.

There will also be limits on how tall buildings can be depending on the area. Rural areas or low-density areas will only be allowed extensions of up to two storeys, with a mansard or dormer storeys allowed.

Meanwhile, in cities or high-density areas, up to five extra floors will be permitted, as well as up to two dormer storeys. 

Former head of housing at the think tank Policy Exchange Ben Southwood told The Times that the seven-storey home would only be suitable in some areas.

He said the proposal was 'designed for those pockets where you can find two-storey infill among seven-storey Victorian buildings to bring them to the level of the area'.

Officials also said the seven-storey plans were only for those streets with large properties. 

Listed buildings, national parks and areas of outstanding natural beauty would be off limits for street votes. As would green belt land or sites of special scientific interest. 

A Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities spokesperson told MailOnline: 'We want communities to have a say on future development in their areas – which is why we are seeking views through this consultation - as we develop our street votes policy.

'Our proposals, which could only be used with local support, include safeguards to help ensure development is in keeping with the local area and does not significantly affect neighbouring streets.'