Have your say on Garden City Estate Management Scheme
A letter, including a background document and survey form, will be sent to all properties in Welwyn Garden City, seeking views on future options for the Estate Management Scheme.
The consultation, launching on 24 October, asks people to suggest ways they think the Scheme could be run in the future, and consider four potential options already identified:
- Finding another body to administer the Scheme
- Terminate the Scheme without alternative controls
- Replace the Scheme with an Article 4 Direction and other legislation
- Maintain the status quo
The aim of the consultation is to make the process of applying for permission easier to understand, develop greater consistency across the town and help address issues with the Scheme’s administration and enforcement.
Properties within the Scheme area are currently subject to different controls, depending on the type of ownership, and changes to enforcement powers mean many of the conditions are now covered by planning legislation.
Councillor Mandy Perkins, Executive Member for Planning, Housing and Community, said: “I urge people to look out for their letter and tell us what they think. It is vital we hear everyone’s views so we can find a way forward that protects the unique character of Welwyn Garden City, whilst making the process simpler and fairer for all.”
The views of all Welwyn Hatfield residents are welcome and further information and a link to the online survey can be found on the council’s website at www.welhat.gov.uk/ems. The consultation closes at 5pm on Friday 16 December.
