Application Process
How will my application be dealt with?
Once your application has been received with all of the relevant particulars, it will be assigned to a Case Officer, who will be your contact throughout the process. For most applications we will ask your neighbours thoughts on your proposal.
Your Case Officer will review your application with reference to the Design Principles, which sets out our usual requirements.
Most applications are dealt with by your Case Officer in 6 weeks, unless we need to ask for changes or it is referred to our Householders Applications Committee or, in some cases our Board of Trustees for a decision. This is normally when the application does not meet our Design Principles or your neighbours have expressed concern. HAC meets monthly and the Board of Trustees meet every 4 weeks and we will keep you informed of progress.
Review Process
We’re pleased to say that more than 90% of applications are approved.
If your application is refused by the Heritage Advice Service, having a conversation with your Case Officer will help you identify ways in which your application may be acceptable. You can also consider having your application reviewed.
The review process has been laid out in the diagram below. You can click on each stage to find out about the composition and role of each group in the process.
Application Refused
When an application is refused, a request can be made to ask the Advisory Management Committee (AMC) to review the decision
Advisory Management Committee
Formed of two professional representatives acting on behalf of the Heritage Foundation and two local representatives of the enfranchised property owners within the Garden City.
The Committee shall carry out a site visit to the property.
The AMC Chair will attend the next HAC meeting to discuss the application. Trustees will then consider their final decision and confirm shortly after the meeting.
The AMC report their findings to the Trustees and Governors of the Householders Application Committee (HAC) who make the final decision
Householders Application Committee
Consists of four Trustees and up to two Governors.
Meet on the third Friday of the month.
Applications considered:
- Those referred by HAS
- Minor breaches of Design Principles but considered acceptable
- Applications where HAS wish to approve where there is a material neighbour objection
- Business licenses
- Review of a previous decision following AMC comments
If application is still refused, applicants can appeal to an Independent Inspector
Independent Inspector
The Independent Inspector is an Architect nominated by RIBA.
An appeal can be lodged within 12 weeks of the date of the final decision letter.
The application will have been through the AMC and HAC process before it can be registered with the Independent Inspector.
This is the only part of the application process where there is a fee. The standard fee will be £550, including expenses which is shared 50:50 between the applicant and the Heritage Foundation. The final decision will be binding on the Heritage Foundation.