Roofs, New Roofs, Alterations, Re-tiling and Repairs

Policy EM1 - Extensions and Alterations Policy

Policy EM5 - Energy Efficiency and Other Roof Alterations

The variety of roof finishes within Welwyn Garden City demonstrates the rich diversity in the quality and finish to many Garden City homes. The finish of a roof contributes to the character of the building as well as the street and the Garden City.

It is important that when works to an existing roof are undertaken, that the workmanship, detailing and materials are replicated.

The construction of new roofs within extensions should also reflect that of the original character of the host building including materials, roof pitch, colour, bargeboards and proportions.

In order to replicate the character of the existing roof it is recommended reclaimed materials are used to relate back to the original style of the host building.

Changes in the style and height of a roof will not be accepted unless it can be demonstrated that there would be no harm to the values and amenities of the area.

Original roof detailing should also be retained including gables with a tiled under cloak, wooden bargeboards, open eaves, short rafters fixed near the bottom of the roof, well bedded bonnet tiles on hipped roof and valley junctions utilising valley tiles.

Repairs to an existing roof would not require consent, subject to the repairs being undertaken on an exact like for like basis (materials and workmanship). This would also only constitute minor repairs where localised works are undertaken to a roof and not undertaken across the whole roof. Please seek advice from an Estate Management officer prior to undertaking works.

Proposed alternations, including roofs or gutters, should not overhang property boundaries. Should works extend beyond the property’s boundary, a separate EMS application will be required to be submitted from the owner of the neighbouring property.  Applications can only be submitted for the land owned by the applicant.