Get permission to make improvements to your council home

You're responsible for decorating and doing DIY to the inside of your council home.

However, you'll need to get permission before you make any major alterations or improvements.

If you are on an introductory tenancy, any applications will automatically be declined as per our policy. If there is an exceptional need for you to apply for permission whilst in this period, please contact us on 02380 285222.

Improvements you don't need permission for

You don't need to ask for permission to make small alterations or improvements.

These include:

decorating inside your home, walls, ceiling and woodwork
putting up shelves or curtain rails, where not restricted such as a Hostel, PSL
hanging wall cabinets in kitchen and bathroom
carpets, laminate or vinyl flooring
purpose made built in wardrobes or bedroom furniture
fitting a Keysafe to the outside of a front or rear door of a property (Not including communal front and rear doors)

Improvements you'll need to get permission for

Let us know if you want to:

adding, moving, altering or rewiring of any electrics
adding to or changing your heating or hot water system
refitting or altering a kitchen, bathroom, or shower room
the removal or erecting of fencing and gates
installing a driveway, hard-standing or paved parking area or creating a second means of access
the installation of external CCTV cameras/equipment
installation of stairlifts
the concreting/hard landscaping of outdoor areas
creating patios
erection of a shed/summerhouse/garden structure (not permitted in a communal garden/area)
removal of trees
installation of ramps and rails inside and out
animal pens - external (not permitted in a communal garden/area)
installing an outside tap
using a property as a business
construction of car ports
adaptions to utility supplies such as. moving of gas meter
white goods provision where kitchen cabinet furniture requires alteration
installation of shower, mixer taps, shower screens etc.
construction of external walls
installation of a garden pond
charging point and storage of mobility scooters
construction of a BBQ/ garden structure.
replacing a light fitting and switch in the same place as before

Improvements that we don't allow

We do not allow some improvements because they reduce the value or safety of a property.

We do not allow:

solar panels (these should only be fitted and maintained on council owned properties by NFDC, and our approved contractors, as part of our greener housing projects)
installation of satellite dishes, SkyQ or aerials where you reside in a flat
removal of any internal walls, of any construction
removal banisters, newel posts, handrails, spindles etc. on stairs or landings
the replacing of fire doors with ordinary doors, this includes main entrance doors to flats and internal fire doors with standard doors
the division of any room to create another room or passageway
the fitting of patio, French or any door in place of a window
any work where a neighbour has 'given permission' to use their land
external painting of brickwork on a property
external painting of render unless council colour and specification is used
the fitting of a lean too , to the building
the fitting of a conservatory
any type of loft conversions or room in roof
any boarding (wall, ceiling or floor) within a loft space
any type of extensions, using any type of material, except for dfg`s
enclosing or constructing a porch
stairways or fitting of loft ladders to loft spaces
the "opening up" of any fireplace
fitting of loft / Velux windows
garage adaptions or conversions
fitting of wood burners
any alterations to the external appearance of the property
removal of any garden hedges
a dropped kerb (you can apply for a parking hardstand)

Get permission to make your improvements

Get in touch if you need permission and it's an improvement we allow.

Apply for permission to make home improvements