Estate Management

Welwyn Garden City is one of only two garden cities in the country. In recognition of the quality of the Garden City environment and to protect the amenities of residents, the High Court in 1973 imposed a Scheme of Management covering most of the town.

The council is keen to ensure that the town's environment continues to be of the highest quality.  Consent is required for:

• Extensions and alterations
• Alterations to or replacement of external windows and doors
• Garden structures
• Walls and fences
• Hard surfaces
• Work to trees and hedgerows

This consent is separate from the need to apply for planning permission and building regulation approval which may also be required.

The Estate Management Scheme booklet gives more details.  The Estate Management Scheme Application Form can be downloaded here.

The council has recently reviewed the policies which it uses to consider such requests.  We would like your views and input into the new policies which are contained within an updated leaflet about the scheme. Any comments should be made in writing and sent to the ‘Planning Section’ at the Campus Council Offices by the end of July, alternatively, you can make your comments here  

The new leaflet contains answers to some frequently asked questions such as what needs consent, how is a request considered and is there a review process if the request is refused.  Some of these questions are repeated below:

How can I find out if my house is in the WGC Estate Management Area?

Click here for a map of the Estate Management Scheme  - if you are situated in the pink area you are covered by the Estate Management Scheme. Alternatively, please see the interactive map or check with your solicitor. 

Will I need any other consent?

Some changes to your home will also need Planning Permission and consent under the Building Regulations. If your house is a ‘listed building’ you will also need listed building consent.

If you are a tenant you may also need permission from your landlord. In addition, certain works, falling under the Party Wall Act, mean you have to give notice to your neighbours.  

How do I find out if my neighbour has applied for consent?

Applications for estate management consent and planning permission are detailed in our online database and shown on the interactive map.

How do I apply for Estate Management Consent?

Applications should be made on forms which are available here or can be collected from the council’s reception at Campus East.

No fee is payable for the application provided the works have not been carried out. If works have been carried out the fee is £40. However, from 1January 2009 retrospective applications will incur a fee of £200.  In order to assess an application, the council has a validation checklist to ensure it receives all the information it needs. Without this information we will not be able to accept your application. The council’s officers can offer advice in writing on your proposal’s design and acceptability prior to making an application.

What happens to my application?

The council will acknowledge and check (to see if we have all the information we need) the application. Applicants will be notified if any additional information is required to accept an application. If we have everything we need, we aim to inform the applicant which officer is dealing with the case within 3 working days of receipt.  The council will also write and ask neighbours for their comments. The application will then be passed to an Officer for consideration who often wishes to visit the property and/or contact you to clarify any details.

In looking at applications the council has to consider the need to balance the objectives of the scheme with the wishes and aspirations of today’s residents who wish to extend or alter their property. Everyone, the council and residents, have a role in ensuring that the town’s environment continues to be of the highest standard, retaining its value and passing the heritage onto future generations.

How long does it take to obtain a decision?

Applicants normally receive a decision about 8 weeks after we acknowledge the completed application. However, this may take longer it we receive objections, if the scheme requires negotiation or has to be considered by the Councils Planning Control Committee.

Who makes the decision on an Estate Management application?

A decision is taken on the application by the appropriate body, either the Planning Control Committee or The Chief Planning and Environmental Health Officer.  The majority of applications are decided by officers under ‘delegated powers’.

Can I appeal if my application is refused?

Most applicants have the right of appeal to the Council’s Planning Control Committee if an application is refused.  All appeals and supporting information, outlining your request and the reasons, must be submitted in writing to the Council. The appeal will then be considered by the Committee, usually within 8 weeks of receipt of the appeal. Both the appellant and any objectors/supporters have the opportunity to present their case by speaking at the Committee meeting.

Questions being raised through the Consultation

The previous householder carried out works to my home. How do I find out if they got consent?

Your solicitor would have carried out a search and checked that all the necessary consents were in place for you when you bought your home.

I carried out works to the outside of my home. How do I find out if they needed consent from the council?

The leaflets attached to this website (Scheme booklet  and updated leaflet) will help. It is not clear from these write to us with details of the size, where it is, photographs and when it was done. We will then be able to let you know whether you need to submit a retrospective application or we'll confirm that Estate Management Consent was not needed.

(Please note that due to the levels of interest in the Estate Management Scheme at the present we will take longer to reply than we would usually wish to).

I've carried out works to my home without Estate Management Consent. What should I do?

You may wish to consider submitting a retrospective application for us to consider. The forms are available here.

Is the Estate Management Scheme new? And if it isn’t why is the Council consulting now?

No, the Estate Management Scheme has been in place since 1971. The Scheme has been reviewed, by the Council, to clarify the works which don’t need consent, provide some new policies against which applications for consent are considered and more information about the Scheme.

Where can I see a copy of the actual Estate Management Scheme document?

A copy is attached here.