The Government saw its majority cut to 27 as coalition MPs, including Liberal Democrats David Ward (Bradford East) and Greg Mulholland (Leeds North West), rebelled against controversial planning reforms in Parliament today.

Despite Communities Secretary Eric Pickles offering to change the proposals to allow certain home extensions without planning permission, a number of Tory MPs rebelled.

MPs expressed concerns that the relaxed rules could lead to disputes between neighbours.

The Government only won a Commons vote to disagree with a Lords amendment giving power to local authorities to opt out of the reforms by 286 votes to 259, a majority 27.