Planning Applications in
East Hertfordshire
East Hertfordshire has a population of approximately 149,000 and is part of the East region. Search any postcode in East Hertfordshire to see recent planning applications near you — including extensions, new builds, demolitions, and change of use applications.
Search East Hertfordshire Planning Applications
Search any East Hertfordshire postcode above, then save it to a free PlanWatch account so it is ready next time. Paid plans add email alerts for new applications near a saved postcode, sent within hours of them reaching the council register.
Planning Application Types in East Hertfordshire
Based on 1686 applications tracked between 2025-05-13 and 2026-10-26.
Full
27% of all applications
Householder
21% of all applications
Conditions
18% of all applications
Demolition
10% of all applications
Certificate of Lawfulness
7% of all applications
Listed Building
4% of all applications
East Hertfordshire Planning Statistics
Data period: 2025-05-13 to 2026-10-26 · Updated 28 October 2026
What PlanWatch Is Tracking in East Hertfordshire
PlanWatch currently holds 1,686 East Hertfordshire planning records across 877 unique postcode locations, with tracked application dates from 2025-05-13 to 2026-10-26. The most common categories in this dataset are Full (454), Householder (353), Conditions (305).
Use this page to start with a postcode search, then open the official council record for the decision notice, drawings, consultation deadline and any later conditions. That matters because a short application description rarely shows the details neighbours and buyers care about: side windows, roof forms, access, drainage, tree works, opening hours or amended plans.
Planning Battles in East Hertfordshire
Notable planning controversies and disputes that have shaped development in the East Hertfordshire area.
Gilston/Harlow Garden Town (10,000 Homes)
2025Garden town extension to Harlow involving up to 10,000 homes, 2,500+ affordable units, jobs, schools, healthcare, and £1.3-6bn investment. Outline permissions granted in January 2025 after years of planning. Judicial review claim dismissed in September 2025, clearing path for construction.
Why this matters: One of UK's largest new town proposals. Shows how garden towns proceed despite environmental opposition. Legal challenge failure sets precedent.
Bucksbury Farm Polytunnels Judicial Review
2025High Court quashed council approval for three large polytunnels at Bucksbury Farm for tomatillo cultivation. Judge found council failed to consider impacts on Bayford Wood (ancient woodland) and Grade II listed building's setting - material factors absent from officer report.
Why this matters: Important precedent: councils must identify local protections even if not raised by applicants. Ancient woodland and heritage issues increasingly contentious.
Housing Supply Calculation Disputes
2024350-home development west of Buntingford refused by council claiming adequate supply (6,307 homes). Planning Inspectorate overturned in August 2024, finding true supply at 4,671 homes - below need. Council slow build rates exposed.
Why this matters: Classic case of housing supply calculations being contested. Inspector found council optimism on delivery unjustified.
Major Developments to Watch in East Hertfordshire
Large-scale projects and developments that are shaping the future of East Hertfordshire.
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What Makes Planning in East Hertfordshire Different
- 70% of district is Green Belt - major development constraint
- Council lost multiple appeals due to housing supply shortfalls
- High Court enforcement injunction granted in Flynn case (June 2025) for long-standing non-compliance
Local Plan targets ~16,000 homes by 2038. Housing supply consistently below need. Appeal success rate for developers high when supply contested.
Key Areas in East Hertfordshire
Highly pressured district with 70% Green Belt. Major housing shortfall despite large-scale proposals. Strong commuter links to London.
Recent Planning Applications in East Hertfordshire
Latest applications submitted to East Hertfordshire council.
Prior approval application (Part 3, Class Q) for change of use and conversion of an agricultural barn to two residential dwellings
The Orchard Colliers End Hertfordshire SG11 1EP
Hip to gable roof with rear dormer to garage
4 The Limes Sawbridgeworth Hertfordshire CM21 9FB
Conversion of part of garage into utilities, alterations to external finish materials and fenestration
5 Maple Grove Bishops Stortford Hertfordshire CM23 2PS
Two storey side extension, replacement of windows, roof tiles and render, cladding added to ground floor on rear and right elevation
10 Carters Leys Bishops Stortford Hertfordshire CM23 2RH
Prior approval application (Part 3, Class MA) for partial change of use of ground floor (Use Class E), to create a 1- bed flat (Use Class C3 (dwellinghouses)
7 Northgate End Bishops Stortford Hertfordshire CM23 2ET
Official Planning Portal
View and search planning applications directly on the East Hertfordshire council website.
Visit East Hertfordshire planning portal →Objecting to a Planning Application in East Hertfordshire
East Hertfordshire Council can only weigh objections that raise a material planning consideration. Personal disputes, loss of a view and property value are not material and are set aside. These are the grounds that do count, with what East Hertfordshire's planning officers will expect you to evidence for each.
Then write the objection letter, or check what counts as a material consideration before you start. Objections normally have to reach East Hertfordshire Council inside the 21-day consultation window.
Frequently Asked Questions — East Hertfordshire Planning
How do I check planning applications in East Hertfordshire?
How do I object to a planning application in East Hertfordshire?
How long does planning permission take in East Hertfordshire?
Can I get alerts for new planning applications in East Hertfordshire?
What planning applications don't need permission in East Hertfordshire?
Can planning applications affect my property value in East Hertfordshire?
Save a East Hertfordshire postcode to your free PlanWatch account
Free accounts save one postcode in East Hertfordshire so it is ready whenever you want to check what has been applied for nearby. Paid plans add email alerts for new applications near a saved postcode, sent within hours of them reaching the council register.
Free: search plus one saved postcode. We never sell your details, and you can remove your postcode at any time.
Read the planning guides →Nearby Councils in East
Explore planning applications in other East councils.
Planning Guides for East Hertfordshire Residents
Do I Need Planning Permission For...?
Specialist Topics
Common Planning Situations
Data Sources
- Planning application data: planning.data.gov.uk
- East Hertfordshire council planning portal — publicaccess.eastherts.gov.uk
- Planning Inspectorate (PINS) appeal decisions
- Data last refreshed: 28 October 2026
For local trades
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