Estate Management Scheme consultation gets under way

Residents in parts of Welwyn Garden City are being asked by Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council for their views on updated policies that affect changes they make to their property.

People are being reminded that any changes to the outside of some homes within Welwyn Garden City require consent from the council before the work gets under way.  This forms part of the Estate Management Scheme which was set up to protect the town’s unique character and original concept as a Garden City.

Several parts of Welwyn Garden City fall under the Estate Management Scheme and residents who are affected will be receiving letters through the post about the proposed changes. They have until the end of July 2008 to feed back their comments.

The proposed changes that are currently being reviewed include the ability for minor external changes to properties, including adding name plaques to homes, and the policies which the Council use to consider requests.

Within the Estate Management Scheme area, residents who wish to make significant changes are likely to require Estate Management approval as well as planning permission and building regulation consent. Examples of this include extensions and loft conversions. Other alterations, such as replacement of external doors or windows, the addition of walls or a driveway, may only need Estate Management approval.

 Mandy Perkins, Executive Member for Planning, said: “Many residents may not realise that work to the outside of their properties, including extensions, the removal of hedges and the installation of a satellite dishes requires Estate Management approval.

“The council is mindful of striking a balance between protecting these areas while understanding the wishes of residents to alter or extend their homes.

“Our planning staff can offer advice on design and the acceptability of proposals if residents have any queries or would like advice about changing the appearance of their property.”

For further information about the Estate Management Scheme or to find out if your property falls under the scheme, please visit www.welhat.gov.uk/planning/estatemanagement

Application forms to alter the appearance of your property are available online or it can be posted out to you. Please call 01707 357000 for a form.