MPs yesterday.

MPs approved the bill to remove some kinds of alterations from the remit of the Development Application Board.

Acting Environment Minister Nelson Bascome said: "The Government is moving to make the process of applications by individuals to Government much easier.

"We've had complaints in the past about people having to wait weeks on end, months on end, to gain Planning permission, essentially for minor matters.'' Small extensions to detached homes and commercial property will be removed from the DAB, subject to strict conditions, as will gates, fences and walls.

Temporary buildings on construction sites will also be approved faster, under the existing standard conditions.

And satellite dishes smaller than four feet in diameter will no longer require to go to the DAB -- although all dishes are banned above the eaves of a building and only one per residential building will be allowed.

Solar energy panels -- not exceeding 80 square feet -- will also benefit from the new rules.

But Mr. Bascome said: "Any permitted development requires some scrutiny, by planners and building permits will be required before work can proceed.

"Their application has to come to the department and it's under guidance by technicians there so people are just not putting things up at will.''