You will need permission from us to carry out certain works to your home. This applies to tenants, leaseholders and shared owners.

We will need to know:

• the type of improvement or alteration you want to make
• the name of the person or company doing the work
• a full specification of the materials that will be used
• when the work will be carried out

We will aim to give you a decision within 30 days from when we receive your application. This may take longer if we need to ask you for more information or carry out a surveyor visit.

A lack of information is the biggest cause of delay in approving an application, as a resident you have a responsibility to provide all necessary details about the alteration with your application. This helps us make an informed decision and speeds up your application.

Joint applications for residents of more than one household will not be accepted.

You must not start any work until you have been given our written permission and received building regulation approval or planning permission (if required). Once you have all relevant permissions in writing, the work must be completed within 3 months. You will need to provide confirmation of the completed works.

Leaseholders and shared owners

Once your application has been received, we will first check the terms of your lease to confirm whether the proposed alterations are permitted. Once this has been confirmed, your application will be processed.

As part of the assessment, a surveyor’s visit may be required. If so, a charge will apply. The cost may vary depending on the number of visits needed. Contact us for further details about current charges.

We will consider every application and will not refuse without a clear reason.

How to request permission

Complete the online form to request permission to make alterations to your council home.

Appeal a refusal

If your alteration request is refused, you can appeal the decision.

Email bcphomes.repairs@bcpcouncil.gov.uk with the reasons for your appeal and include any additional information not previously provided. A manager will review your appeal, and you will be notified of the outcome within 30 days.