Front Extensions

Policy EM1 - Extensions and Alterations Policy

The design, layout, character and density of housing within Welwyn Garden City all contribute to making it a special place to live and work.

It is recognised that the modern household may require expanding to accommodate growing families. Undertaking alterations such as extensions that change the façade of a property can impact on the character and attractiveness of many street scenes in Welwyn Garden City. All proposed building works need to be carefully considered to ensure the architectural value and original principles are upheld and maintained.

Front extensions are discouraged due to the serious impact these can have on the character of a house and street. The impact of a front extension can affect the prominent form and uniformity of the group value and coherence of a run of properties.

It is encouraged that extensions are focused to the rear of properties as these have reduced impacts on the surrounding character of the property and street.

In the rare circumstance that a front extension is permitted the following principles should be followed:

• The extension is considerate to the existing character of the property as well as the wider street scene. Key architectural details and materials, including fenestration, should be utilised as well as ensuring scale and size are proportionate.
• The roof design of a two storey extension should be consistent with the original property’s pitch and design. Alternative roof pitches or design approaches can have a considerable impact on the appearance of the property and street, adding to the bulk and mass of the extension.
• Single storey extensions should generally be designed with a flat roof and continue the height of any other original single storey extension or element to the front of the property
• The scale and size of the extension must be subservient to and in proportion with the original property, plot and street character and should not dominate the frontage.
• Front extensions should respect the symmetry of a pair or group of houses to a street scene.
• Extensions must ensure that there they do not cause loss of day/sun/sky light, loss of privacy or be unduly dominant from adjoining properties as a result of their overall scale and size.