New law to allow 20% extension of house size?

[Marc]

The Guardian reports today;

'He (Berlusconi) has proposed a bill which would allow Italian householders, at least those who live in detached houses and who mostly vote centre-right, to increase their houses' volume by 20% in order to increase spending. There would be almost no control by local authorities.'

Full story is here;
James Walston: Berlusconi has taken another step along the path to political domination of Italy | Comment is free | guardian.co.uk

[sarahandmark]

Very good - better get my extenison built before midday!

[Nielo]

Is this so that they can provide more living space for migrant spaghetti harvesters?

[Ghianda]

I wondered if the proposal's origins lay more in the need for extra space for storing the rich bounty of fish that is available at this time of year - but it's all over the local press too «Piano casa, 60-70 miliardi in circolo» - Corriere della Sera

[pigro]

you all (other than Marc) appear to be suggesting that the guardian article is an April fool joke? If so, I think you are wrong - not only was the article published yesterday, but I'm pretty sure this is a genuine initiative, ostensibly aimed at helping the Italian construction industry & the wider economy by creating demand for house renovation/improvement.
http://www.italymag.co.uk/forums/bui...tml#post114199

[ram]

Its all true - sorry to say.
If you have a property that is not in a centro storico, or has vincoli you will be able to add 20% of the volume with only a DIA. If you knock down and start again and are green in your construction you will be able to add 35% of the volume. Its going to be a nightmare! BTW The Guardian on twitter is surely the april fool?

[gardahomes]

yup, it's been in the news here for a while now. The cosidetto "piano casa 2009".

[DavidUno]

I thought that it had always been possible to increase by 20%. I've heard of estate agents using that as a selling point outside of protected areas.

[gardahomes]

yes, we used the allowance last year to add an extension. I think this is on top of that, though.

[Marc]

Sorry Ram, I didn't realise that you'd already posted this info.

I'm gratified that other people think that I'm mischievous and witty enough to publish this as an April Fool's joke though!