Property alterations - supporting information
A large number of the applications we receive do not provide us with enough information for a decision to be reached.
You will need to provide detailed drawings of the layout of the area that you want to change, as well as detailed plans for your proposed alteration.
You must also list the materials you will use, measurements, and photographs of the existing area.
Please use the guidance on this webpage to assist you. If your proposed alteration is not featured below and you are not sure what you need to include, please email alterationrequests@baberghmidsuffolk.gov.uk.
Please note that the information on this webpage is not exhaustive.
New build properties
If your property is less than 10 years old, there may be restrictions that prevent certain alterations which were stipulated during the development phase. You must check this BEFORE applying for an alteration to your home. The information would be contained in your information pack sent to you when you moved in. If you are still unsure, please contact housingdevelopment@baberghmidsuffolk.gov.uk
Bathroom replacements (either full or partial)
- Details of the contractor chosen to carry out the work. Contractors must be suitably qualified. For example, registered with an appropriate trade body, insured to carry out the required work and VAT-registered.
- Detailed drawings of the bathroom layout and plans.
- List of the materials to be used.
- Measurements of the whole area and the alterations.
- Photographs of the existing area that you wish to make an alteration to.
- If you wish to re-tile, please ensure you only tile in areas that have previously been tiled, or submit detailed drawings and photos of any new areas that you wish to tile. You must not cover any pipes or electrics that may need to be serviced. The council reserves the right to remove any tiling if necessary to access services such as water electrical or drainage and does not take responsibility for any costs or repair / replacement, which may arise if tiles were a tenant’s alteration.
Kitchen replacements (either full or partial)
- Details of the contractor chosen to carry out the work. Contractors must be suitably qualified. For example, registered with an appropriate trade body, insured to carry out the required work and VAT-registered.
- Detailed drawings of the kitchen layout and plans.
- List of the materials to be used.
- Measurements of the whole area and the alterations.
- Photographs of the existing area that you wish to make an alteration to.
- If you wish to re-tile, please ensure you only tile in areas that have previously been tiled, or submit detailed drawings and photos of any new areas that you wish to tile. You must not cover any pipes or electrics that may need to be serviced. The council reserves the right to remove any tiling if necessary to access services such as water electrical or drainage and does not take responsibility for any costs or repair / replacement, which may arise if tiles were a tenant’s alteration.
Fencing (either full or partial)
Moving a fence line is not simple. When requesting to move a fence, you MUST adhere to the lines of the legal boundary of your property in accordance with Land Registry. Permission to move fence lines outside of this area will be refused. You must also adhere to specific height restrictions.
- Confirmation in writing from the planning authorities as to whether or not planning permission is necessary and that it has already been obtained where necessary. Or details of why planning permission is not necessary.
- Detailed drawings of the layout and plans.
- List of the materials to be used.
- Measurements of the whole area and of the fencing.
- Photographs of the existing area that you wish to make an alteration to. Where possible, take a photo from an upstairs window, or from each corner of the garden, to show the whole area.
You can contact the relevant Council's Planning department to determine whether planning permission is required. Please ensure that this is obtained before you make your application for tenant alteration permission.
You may contact the Planning department at planning@baberghmidsuffolk.gov.uk
Please note fencing can only be placed along the existing legal boundaries of the property, and comply with the Council's fencing policy.
Shed / greenhouse or outbuilding
Requesting a shed may seem like a simple decision, but there are many factors to be taken into account. For example, sheds can only be installed on land which has permitted development rights. They must be away from any heat and fuel sources such as oil tanks, and must comply with certain regulations about distance from your boundary, and NEVER be installed in a front garden. They must also comply to planning rules about height so you must check these rules before you apply.
- Confirmation in writing from the planning authorities as to whether or not planning permission is necessary and that it has already been obtained where necessary. Or details of why planning permission is not necessary.
- Detailed drawings of the layout and plans.
- List of the materials to be used.
- Measurements of the whole area and of the shed.
- Photographs of the existing area that you wish to make an alteration to.
- For properties less than 10 years old – details of the covenant permission for the shed if applicable.
You can contact the relevant Council's Planning department to determine whether planning permission is required. Please ensure that this is obtained before you make your application for tenant alteration permission.
You may contact the Planning department at planning@baberghmidsuffolk.gov.uk
EV charger
Photos of:
- The designated parking area and proposed charging point.
- The proposed cable route between the car and property.
- The proposed route for wiring to the main electric consumer unit.
Please also include letters and information leaflets from the EV charger installer that you wish to use.
Please note you must have your own driveway within the boundary of the property which has a pre-existing drop kerb, unless you have been accepted on to a recognised government initiative for charging cable use on public highways. You can find further details on charging cable schemes via Suffolk County Council's website.
Flooring
- Detailed drawings of the layout and plans for the area you wish to lay flooring in, including the adjoining areas.
- List of the materials to be used.
- Measurements of the whole area.
- Photographs of the existing area that you wish to make an alteration to.
- Please ensure any permanent floor coverings do not cover any pipes or electrics that may need to be serviced. The Council reserves the right to remove any floor covering if necessary to access services such as water electrical or drainage and does not take responsibility for any costs or repair / replacement, which may arise.
Satellite receivers
- A photo to show the location of the television satellite receiver.
- Detailed drawings of the layout and plans of the area you wish to attach the receiver to.
- Details of any covenants on your property relating to adding equipment to the outside of your building.
- Please also include letters and information leaflets from the installer that you wish to use.
Trees
You will need permission to fell or prune a tree in your garden or land if:
- It is covered by a tree preservation order.
- It is within a designated conservation area.
- It is protected by a legal covenant – permission is required from the person(s) benefiting from the covenant.
- It is within a property, which is part of a relatively new development (up to five years), and may be covered by conditions on the original planning permission.
- Not within your garden.
Please contact Planning for further information if you are unsure.