Thinking of extending your existing balcony or installing a new one? You may then need to be aware of the rules and the necessary obligations surrounding it. In this article, we will dive into the details that matter.
Balcony Planning Rules for London
Balconies come off as those architectural innovations that are more of a desire than a necessity. But if we just name them as platforms that offer a beautiful glimpse of the world outside, then we are not seeing the other half. From a utility and functionality point of view, balconies have more to offer than we may think.
Balconies offer a great entry point for natural light to dive into your living space. They also help by preventing interior overheating and are highly regarded for blocking noise. The space of a balcony can also be used for relaxation, performing routine household tasks such as drying clothes, or breeding plants. That’s not all, owning a property with a balcony increases the value as they are one of the most desirable amenities of a house.
Now that we’ve learnt why balconies are a great addition to a house as functional and aesthetic extensions, let’s learn about the part which requires more attention. Installing a balcony!
I’m planning a balcony addition or extension! Do I need planning permission?
Yes! The householder planning system has not been so generous with installing balconies and there are reasons for it. Because balconies are raised or extended platforms, the UK building regulations mandate planning permission be taken to any raised platform. But if your balcony is within a 300mm extension (which is highly unlikely), you may not require one.
Do I stand a chance of getting planning permission approval?
You always do! Just that, you need to be considerate of a few things to increase your chances. Below are some of the crucial to-do things you need to be aware of before you apply for planning permission.
1: Clear the Concerns of your Neighbour
Make sure the plan for your balcony does not in any way invade your neighbour’s privacy. Your neighbours will usually be wary of privacy and will also be mindful of free-flowing natural elements such as air or light coming into their house.
To avoid any contentions, you can plan to install your balcony at the rear or at the side where your neighbour’s privacy is not compromised. To negate the jeopardy of loss of light to your neighbour, using a perforated metal deck can be a better option than going for solid overhead platforms.
Before you start applying for planning permission, make sure you detail out your design plan clearly to your neighbours and clear off their concerns. To do it right it’s always best to seek advice from a professional.
2: Being First Doesn’t Always Help
This is something that may not be in your hand. In an unfortunate circumstance, if you happen to be the first in your vicinity thinking of adding a balcony, then your request may likely be disregarded as lack of precedence or an unnecessary feature. This will present a bigger challenge for you to secure planning permission.
3: Juliet Balcony
Inspired by Shakespeare’s famous Romeo and Juliet where Romeo is often found singing and hymning under the window of his love interest Juliet. The name is so because Juliet could only come up to the window and look through the aperture as they are not those typical extended balconies.
In fact, Juliet balconies should not have any gaps more than 99mm (about 3.9 in), which is in cognizance of the “100mm” industry rule. They typically are mere railings and do not extend as a base, making them less intrusive. For this reason, most Juliet balconies do not require planning permission and are covered under permitted development.
If you are planning to install a Juliet balcony or already in possession of it, then you can choose to install patio doors or French doors. Such doors not only beautify the look of the balcony, but also allow for ample natural light and view.
4: Location of your House
If your house comes under the jurisdiction of a listed area or is in a conservation area, then that can deter the chances of installing a balcony.
5: Balcony design and style
In case you are not aware, you may not be eligible for planning permission if your balcony’s theme does not match with the general design of your house.
6: Safety Considerations
Make sure your balcony has railings that are at least 1100mm in height and should not include gaps more than 100mm in width. These regulations are in sync with the UK building regulations made to ensure adherence to safety standards.
7: Building Regulations
In aspects of meeting the necessary standards, structural sturdiness, fire safety and other related parameters in compliance with building regulations will be necessary. It is always advised to consult a professional, adept with the UK Building Regulations, preferably the people inside.
8: Rear Balcony
Though in the first point we had discussed the circumstance where one is compelled to opt for a rear balcony, it is again not barring the regular consideration concerning your neighbour. So, be it the front or the rear you must clear the air.
Applying for Planning Permission
After careful consideration of the above aspects, you can go ahead and submit your application for planning permission to your Local Planning Authority. Once your application is validated, your neighbours will be notified and will be allowed a time of 21 days (about 3 weeks) to raise their concerns if any.
My Application is Refused
Do not be surprised upon the refusal. It doesn’t mean the end of road. There are opportunities for resubmission and appeals. If your application is refused, you should then review the reasons for refusal and make appropriate changes to reverse them. Consult the local planning authority and ask for suggestions and recommendations. They should normally get back to you within 8 weeks.
You can also hire a professional to review and increase your chances for permission approval.
If you think you are all right and nothing’s working, you can also extend an appeal to the Planning Inspectorate which will come at a cost.
Hire a Consultant for Balcony Planning
Given the instances of contention mentioned above, we strongly recommend you hire a planning consultant to maximise your chances of gaining planning consent first time. They can guide you regarding precedent cases and your local planning policies.
Professional Drawings for Balcony in London
We also recommend that you hire an architectural designer to get you a great design which is likely to pass. You need professional architectural elevations, sections and floor plans to dem-onstrate both existing and proposed states, to match the style of the building and the area. 3D Immersive Renders will also strengthen your proposal when it is placed before the Planning or Conservation Officer.
List of Documents Required for Balcony Planning Permission in London
Along with the planning application you need to arrange a fee of application which depends upon the house or property you own. If you are for a single dwelling extension, the fee may be £206 or more.
Make sure you have multiple copies of the application ready for submission to various relevant authorities and other parties.
A possession of the certificate of ownership
The existing plan or design of Elevations and cross-sections of your property
The projected plan with the changes you are looking to make
Extension Architecture’s Expertise: Our experience spans 16 years of expertise serving clients with utmost determination. We are diligent in preparing the right set of documents that helps speed up your project approvals. Our team of architects and designers remain vigilant towards critical planning permission rules and construction standards that warrant strict adherence.
Additionally, our in-house team of planners, designers and projects managers not only readily liaise with case officers but in addition design spaces that satiate your functional & aesthetic needs. With us you can ensure that your dream project not only attains the best realisation of your ideas, but also remains efficient & functional.
Here’s a glance into our projects in Hamlet and Southwark that stand as testaments for our long-term client relations.
Conclusion:
Remember that every property is unique and has a different set of permission rules. Because of compounding rules and obligations there are chances that you may be in conundrums most of the time. It is always better to cross-check with the Local Planning Authority. Get yourself attuned to the necessary know-hows for a hassle-free process and get going for a relaxed settling to admire the beautiful view outside your balcony.
At Extension Architecture we love to explore comprehensively. If you are seeking guidance or in need of a consultation for any of your grand or small architectural plans, do stop by. Our experts are adept at planning and delivering architectural specialties all under one roof. If you happen to live in a listed or a conservation area, we can commission a report-writer exclusively to create a Design and Access Statement in support of your application.
Steph Fanizza, Architectural Design & Team Manager
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Eugene Kim, Founder and Managing Director of Extension Architecture, has led the firm for over 14 years, consistently delivering quality solutions. His dedication has been key to the company's growth and success.
