A WARNING has been issued by Hertsmere Borough Council's planning unit after a number of cases in which local residents built conservatories, or converted their garages, without obtaining planning approval.

In some cases this has led to them being subject to enforcement action, whereby they were required to undo the work.

Hertsmere's head of planning, transport and building control, Richard Grove, said: "When many of the newer estates in the borough were built they had a condition on their original planning approval saying that the garages must be kept for parking. Planning applications can be made to change this.

"However, the council is likely to refuse such applications unless sufficient car parking space usually at least two spaces will remain on site."

Extensions, including conservatories, to a house or bungalow, need planning permission if they are above a certain size and of any size on some of the newer estates.

If the extension is said to be out-of-keeping with the house or the street, or will have a serious impact on the outlook for the neighbour, it is usually refused.

Mr Grove advised that anybody considering converting a garage in a newer house, or building an extension (or conservatory) should contact the Planning Unit to check whether they need planning approval.

Leaflets giving advice on what needs planning permission, what sort of things the council looks for in assessing an application and how to make an application are available at the Civic Offices in Borehamwood or at the council's area offices in Bushey and Potters Bar.

General advice about what needs planning permission can be found at www.planningportal.gov.uk For more information telephone 020 8207 7517 or 020 8207 7465 or e-mail planning@hertsmere.gov.uk