Councillors have urged authorities to reconsider strict policies regarding external home modifications, particularly for beneficiaries of housing projects.
Speaking after an extraordinary meeting yesterday, Southern Municipal Council services and public utilities committee chairman Hamad Al Zoubi highlighted the growing frustration among residents who have invested heavily in upgrading the aesthetics of their homes, only to face orders for removal due to regulatory restrictions.
The meeting was attended by Housing and Urban Planning Ministry officials.
“Homeowners have made minor yet impactful changes to their façades, adding a modern and contemporary look to their residences,” he explained.
“These modifications have not only enhanced the visual appeal of the neighbourhoods, but have also come at significant financial costs to residents.
“The least the authorities can do is show some flexibility rather than insist on the complete removal of these changes whenever homeowners seek municipal permits for additional work.”
Beneficiaries of government housing projects across Bahrain often find that the standardised designs, while practical, do not always meet their personal preferences or evolving architectural trends.
In various neighbourhoods, homeowners have opted to modify façades by incorporating decorative stone, modern windows or artistic ironwork.
However, many have encountered bureaucratic hurdles when attempting to obtain municipal permits for additional construction, with authorities citing violations of original housing designs.
Mr Al Zoubi has called on the ministry to engage in a dialogue with municipal councils, urban planners and residents to find solutions that respect both architectural uniformity and individual expression.
The ministry has yet to respond.
However, the Capital Trustees Board and the three municipal councils in the country are likely to take up the issue, given the increasing number of complaints from residents.
Experts in urban planning suggest that a more flexible approach would not only benefit homeowners, but also contribute to a more visually diverse and aesthetically appealing urban landscape.
“We spent a fortune upgrading the exterior of our home to make it more visually appealing and to match modern architectural styles,” said a Northern Governorate resident, who wanted to remain unidentified.
“But when we applied for a simple permit to expand a room, we were told that we had to restore the original façade before approval could be granted. This is unfair and financially burdensome.”
Another resident from the Capital Governorate, who also wanted his identity undisclosed, echoed similar concerns.
“We understand that there must be regulations, but the ministry should acknowledge that many of us have made positive changes that do not negatively impact safety or structural integrity,” he said.
“The rules need to be reviewed to accommodate the realities of homeownership.”
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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