Alterations and Permissions: What You Can and Cannot Do
Below are lists of examples of alterations and permission requirements. This will help you plan your improvements smoothly.
Outright Permission
Outright Permission can be given through your Area Housing Officer for the alterations below:
- Battery operated smoke alarms
- Clothesline and clothes posts (within the boundary their garden)
- Curtain rails
- Door handles and cupboard handles
- External post boxes
- Installing blinds
- Installing Key Safe outside own door (not on exterior of communal blocks)
- Shelves
- Having a water meter fitted
An asbestos test will be required in most cases - the Officer working with you on the alteration will be able to determine this and the job will be referred to the Asbestos Team to conduct a survey. The results will be discussed with you as the alteration request progresses. Please be aware that asbestos removal may mean that your alteration is delayed, but work cannot take place before this is resolved. There is no cost to the tenant if a survey is required. However, tenant may be required to pay for wall and ceiling artexing removals.
Outright Refusal
The Council will not provide permission for the following works due to the impacts of these works on future occupation or sale of property, noise issues, fire safety compliance, health, safety and environment compliance, and visual appearance.
- Artexing walls and ceilings
- Driveways for upper floor flats
- Extra locks to windows and additional locks and latches
- Installing cat flaps
- Installing metal gates directly outside a door
- Key safe (communal blocks)
- Laminate floor on first floor of houses or flats
- Loft conversions in flats
- Painting kitchen cupboards and tiles
- Removing an electric fire to install a gas fire
- Wood burners, open fires, or any muti-fuel appliances
- Swimming pools
- Wind turbine
