Why do you need to talk to us?
Letchworth is a beautiful town with a rich history. In order to ensure Letchworth remains true to its founding principles as the world's first Garden City, we need to make sure its buildings and premises maintain its special character.
Homeowners in particular need to make sure any proposed changes to their homes meet certain criteria as to how they look and are designed. This helps protect the unique character and heritage of our Garden City.
If you wish to make external changes to your home you need to apply for our consent. This requirement is separate from the permission required from the local authority under planning and listed building legislation and the building regulations.
Please be aware that works undertaken without our approval could lead to action being instigated, difficulty in selling your home or even legal action to remove the unauthorised works.
When considering proposals for alterations we support applications that reintroduce original designs and detailing that have been lost over time.
Alterations include:
Balconies, conservatories, extensions, flues/chimneys, frontage hardstandings, garages, loft conversions, outbuildings, porches, roof alterations, satellite dishes over 60cm in diameter and solor/PV panels, door replacements, frontage alterations (including hedges, fencing, gates), replacement windows, re-roofing and satellite dishes under 60cm in diameter.
Pre-application advice
We provide free pre-application advice before an application is submitted.
Send us an email with your address, confirm you're the homeowner, and a brief explanation of the change you've got in mind.
We use two main instruments to govern the process and keep Letchworth looking good:
The Scheme of Management
The Scheme of Management applies to all freehold premises within the Letchworth Garden City estate. The document gives obligations (or covenants) on freehold property owners, covering a number of areas including restrictions on the cutting down trees and hedges to running a business from home.
The Scheme of Management was introduced to preserve the appearance and character of Letchworth’s unique environment as the world’s first Garden City, and to ensure houses are in harmony with its original design and character. The Heritage and Stewardship team can offer guidance and support to ensure these principles of the garden city are managed and maintained.
You can download the Scheme of Management on our Forms and Guides page.
Design Principles
In-line with the Scheme of Management, many homeowners require our consent when making external changes to their home. Many leasehold properties also have Covenants under which Landlord’s Consent for works is required.
We publish guidance documents, known as Design Principles, to support homeowners with this process, providing advice on everything from doors and windows, to extensions and chimneys helping homeowners to design exterior changes that maintain the special character of Letchworth Garden City.
The Design Principles split homes in the town into two categories, known as Character Areas. These Character Areas are: Heritage Character Area and Modern Character Area
You can download our Character Area Design Principles on our Forms and Guides page.