Council advises caution about complicated, new planning rules

Residents who want to make improvements to their house should check before they start any work.

Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council’s advice comes after the Government reduced requirements for planning permission on certain external building works to houses on 1 October.

The Government says it wants to cut red tape, but local planning officers believe that most home extensions will still need to go through a formal approval process before works can start.

Planning officers estimate that only 10% of current applicants may be able to carry out work without planning permission.

Executive Member for Planning, Cllr Mandy Perkins, said: “Householders should not just go ahead and undertake building work thinking they are taking advantage of the new planning rules.

“They may end up having to take down or carry out costly changes because it should have had permission.

“The best solution is to seek advice. This reflects the fact that the Government’s changes are not as straightforward as they appear.”

The Government’s changes seek to extend the list of improvements that do not need planning permission from the council.

Not only will homeowners need advice because the new rules are so complicated, but they will still need consent under the Building Regulations for all works, whether or not planning permission is required.

Residents in the Welwyn Garden City Estate Management Area will still need consent for external changes - special conditions that apply to them, requiring that works should contribute to maintaining and improving the town’s unique character.

Residents can do their own initial assessment using the Government’s online planning interactive tool at: www.planningportal.gov.uk/

Alternatively, residents can contact the council on 01707 357 000 or they could use the council website, www.welhat.gov.uk/planning.