Do I need Consent

What requires approval?

As a general rule, you need approval from the Heritage Foundation for any work to your home which alters the external appearance of the property, including the replacement of roofs, and also the cutting down of trees or removal of hedges. Ask before you build or undertake works! Minor works and small extensions do not need planning permission from North Hertfordshire District Council unless the property is a listed building or structural works are being undertaken. Alterations which affect the appearance of the property need consent from the Heritage Foundation, including satellite dishes, hard standings, replacement windows , new windows and doors, and fencing. Some works do not affect the external appearance of the property and hence would not need approval from the Heritage Foundation. For example:

• Sheds, outbuildings and greenhouses in rear gardens (surrounded by other gardens), provided they are less than 6 square metres or less in floor area and do not exceed 2 metres in height.
• Fences less than 2 metres in height between rear gardens.
• Satellite dishes, provided they have a diameter of less than 50cm, are placed on the rear wall of the house or are not visible from the street.
• Hard surfaces in rear gardens, where the existing ground levels are retained, i.e. excluding the use of raised decking, which can impact upon neighbours.
• Replacement windows, where replaced with similar windows to the originals or in the style of windows which have the approval of the Heritage Foundation.