The proposal, which the BBC understands will be announced in next Wednesday's budget, aims to boost home construction and encourage first time buyers back into the housing market by making it easier for developers in England to convert commercial properties into private houses and flats.

BBC: Property planning rules to soften

That's why - especially during the summer marching season - flags of all kinds sprout from lamp-posts, trees, private houses and even blocks of flats.

BBC: Northern Ireland