Licence to Alter Drawings for London Flats

The short answer

A Licence to Alter is your freeholder’s formal written consent to alterations your lease would otherwise restrict — typically structural changes, moving a kitchen or bathroom, or altering the floor structure. It is separate from planning permission and building regulations, and a project may need all three. The freeholder usually asks for drawings before granting it.

What a Licence to Alter means

A Licence to Alter is the freeholder’s formal consent to alterations that your lease would otherwise restrict. Most long leases prevent leaseholders from making structural or significant changes without permission, and the Licence — usually a legal document prepared by the freeholder’s solicitor — records the approved works and any conditions. It is separate from planning permission and building regulations, though a project may need all three.

Why freeholders ask for drawings

To decide whether to grant consent, the freeholder and their surveyor need to understand exactly what is proposed and how it affects the building and neighbouring flats. Drawings let them assess structural, fire, acoustic and waterproofing implications and set appropriate conditions. Clear, complete drawings that anticipate these concerns help the application progress more smoothly.

Common works requiring approval

Works that typically require a Licence to Alter include removing or opening up walls, relocating kitchens and bathrooms, altering floor structure or build-ups, and significant changes to layout or services. Cosmetic redecoration usually does not, but the exact position depends on your lease, which should be checked.

Structural changes

Structural alterations, such as forming openings between rooms, require a structural engineer to design the work and produce calculations. The freeholder’s surveyor will review these on the freeholder’s behalf. We coordinate the structural engineer so that the architectural drawings and the structural design are consistent.

Wet areas, acoustics and fire

Freeholders pay particular attention to wet areas, acoustics and fire. Relocating a bathroom or kitchen raises waterproofing, drainage and acoustic questions for the flat below; new floor build-ups must maintain acoustic separation; and fire stopping between dwellings must be preserved. The drawings need to address these matters explicitly.

Drawings and reports

A typical Licence to Alter submission includes existing and proposed layouts, structural details where relevant, and information on floor build-ups, acoustics and fire stopping. Depending on the works, a method statement and contractor information may also be requested. We prepare or coordinate this package so it is consistent and responsive to the freeholder’s requirements.

How architects, surveyors and engineers coordinate

A flat alteration often involves several professionals: an architect or architectural designer for the design and drawings, a structural engineer for any structural work, and the freeholder’s surveyor reviewing on the freeholder’s side. Where wider technical, party wall or leasehold advice is needed, related surveying specialists can be involved. We coordinate the architectural and technical drawings that support the Licence and keep the information aligned.

Frequently asked questions

Do I always need a Licence to Alter?

For structural or significant alterations to a leasehold flat, almost always. Cosmetic works often do not require one. The position depends on your lease, which should be checked before works begin.

How long does the process take?

It varies with the freeholder, the managing agent and the complexity of the works. Clear, complete drawings that anticipate the freeholder’s concerns help avoid delays.