As lockdown restrictions forced families to stay at home the need for extra space became a necessity and home extensions became the must have item of 2020. 

This need for additional room has not abated as this month's Test Valley Borough Council planning applications prove.  

Among the home improvements applied for include a shed for hobby activities, single storey front and rear extensions, demolition of existing bungalow and construction of replacement dwelling and the erection of a porch and a single-story side extension, to provide additional living space. 

The majority are first time planning applicants.  

Work by trades people was permitted during lockdown as Secretary of State for housing, communities and local government Robert Jenrick, said in March: “Work carried out in people’s homes, for example by tradespeople carrying out repairs and maintenance, can continue, provided that the tradesperson is well and has no symptoms." 

Extensions, however, were deemed non-essential resulting in many home owners tackling the work themselves.  

In a 2,000 person survey, commissioned by Ronseal, found doing DIY helped more than two thirds combat boredom, while one in three said it means they will have something to show for their time. 

Two-in-five felt ‘satisfied’ as a result of doing DIY and almost a fifth felt ‘relaxed’. 

For almost 75 per cent of people, completing home improvements was positive for their wellbeing, with a tenth feeling ‘stress free’ while 15 per cent are ‘calmer’.