- Planning authority
- Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council
- Postcodes
- AL6, AL7, AL8
- Noon sun, 21 March
- About 38°
- Shadow from a 5 m eaves line
- About 6.4 m
- Planning plan
- Local Plan
- County
- Hertfordshire
How it plays out in Welwyn Garden City
Garage blocks behind homes vary from a few lock-ups off a short drive to long courts serving whole streets, and a site in AL6, AL7 and AL8 could be either. The size of the site, the width of the lane and how many neighbours back onto it decide what could fit, not the number of garages.
Owners just outside Welwyn Garden City, in places like Hatfield, Hertford and St Albans, face the same questions. We look at the lane, the rights over it and the distance to neighbouring windows first, then sketch options from a single home to a small group.
What happens next in Welwyn Garden City
Tell us where the garages or yard are in Welwyn Garden City and how the land is used now. From there we review Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council’s policies, past applications close by and the title, looking for rights of way, covenants and charges. If nothing stands in the way, we’ll arrange to meet you on site and walk the lane and the court together.
Free site appraisal
We look at the site on maps, the title plan and the planning history, then talk through who uses it now. If it looks workable we visit. There’s no cost and no obligation.
Rights and title review
We map who has rights over the court and lane, which garages are let and on what terms, and whether any covenants, charges or strips of land you don’t own could block a scheme.
Site checks and layout
We look at the access lane, the buildings, likely asbestos and contamination, drains and neighbours’ windows, then sketch what could realistically fit, from one home to a small group, or nothing at all.
Choose your route
Sell the site outright or subject to planning, grant an option, or keep it and have us design, get planning for and build. Garage tenancies and licences are ended properly before any work starts.
Worth checking early
- Neighbours whose gardens back onto the court are consulted and may object; the council decides.
- Asbestos, contamination and bat surveys add cost and time before demolition can start.
- A narrow or unadopted lane can restrict the number of homes, or require sprinklers, a turning space or bin collection point.
Welwyn Garden City: questions to ask
Can I build houses on my garage block in Welwyn Garden City?
Possibly, if the lane works for cars, bins and emergency access, neighbours’ privacy and light are protected, and rights over the site can be dealt with. Homes there need planning permission, which is Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council’s decision. A free appraisal shows whether the site merits going further.
Will you buy my garages in Welwyn Garden City with tenants in them?
Possibly. Any purchase is subject to survey, title and contract, with or without planning in place. Existing tenancies and licences must be brought to an end properly under their own terms, and when that happens forms part of the agreed deal. Get legal advice before any notice is served.
What does it cost to have my Welwyn Garden City garage site assessed?
Nothing. Our assessment is free, with no obligation. We review the title, maps and planning history and speak to you before deciding whether a visit is worthwhile. You’re only committed after choosing a route and agreeing terms set out in writing.
Do I need an asbestos survey for garages in Welwyn Garden City?
Yes, before demolition. Health and Safety Executive guidance says a refurbishment and demolition survey must find asbestos before structural work begins. Older garage roofs are often asbestos cement sheeting. Specialists carry out the survey and removal, and we build both into the plan.
Other options in Welwyn Garden City
- Corner and side plots
- Build a home for family in your garden
- Build a new home in your garden
- Tandem and landlocked plots
- Plot feasibility and design
- Joint venture on your garden plot