We care about the welfare of your property. Therefore, we need as much information as possible, so that we can make a prompt, safe and competent assessment of your request.
When you submit your request, 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 read our Property alterations - supporting information webpage for detailed information about what you will need to include within your application.
It is really important that you provide us with the information we need. A lack of detail is the biggest cause of delay to application processing times - and it is not always possible for a surveyor to attend.
If relevant, please include any correspondence you have had with our Planning team. This should state that you have either received their permission ahead of your application, or that planning permission is not needed.
As examples, this correspondence would be essential for any applications relating to sheds, outbuildings, extensions, and some applications relating to fencing or satellite receivers.
If you are unsure whether your application requires planning permission please email planning@baberghmidsuffolk.gov.uk.
If you are an introductory tenant you will need to apply with the following forms:
Once you have completed and submitted the online form, you must then send us all relevant supporting information within 48 hours.
Please send all your supporting information to alterationrequests@baberghmidsuffolk.gov.uk.
An application without the necessary measurements, drawings, photographs and materials to be used cannot be assessed, and will be rejected within 48 hours. If this happens, you might have to submit a new application.
When we receive a complete application, which contains all relevant documents, we aim to make a decision within 20 days of receiving it.
Applications from introductory tenants will generally be declined, unless they are needed for a disability or in exceptional circumstances.
EV chargers for allocated parking spaces away from your property, and or for communal parking areas, will not be permitted unless they are part of an agreed scheme.
We do not allow log burners or open fires of any kind.
We will not allow you to remove any structural walls, or do anything that might damage the structure of the building, or disrupt shared services.
You must let us know if you have carried out any previous home alterations without permission. We may have to carry out an inspection to decide whether there has been any damage to the property, and if it still meets required building standards.
You can make an application for permission retrospectively, which is likely to be granted in cases where:
In some cases - where a major issue has been identified - you may have to fully remove the alteration at your own cost. You will be given a reasonable timescale to carry out any remedial works.
If you do not comply, this will constitute as a tenancy breach and enforcement action will be taken against you.
If you do not agree with a requirement for removal, you can make an appeal.
You may appeal a decision within 14 days of receiving your decision letter.
Your appeal must be in writing. You can email alterationrequests@baberghmidsuffolk.gov.uk.
Your appeal must state clearly, and in detail, your reasons for your appeal, and include photographs. Please also provide a drawing with the layout, measurements and intended materials.
Once we receive it, your appeal will be considered within a reasonable timeframe. You will be advised of the outcome in writing.
