Do I Need Planning Permission for a Balcony?
Usually YES
In most cases, YES — balconies and raised terraces generally require planning permission as they are not covered by permitted development rights.
Keep reading for the full rules.
Unlike many other home improvements, balconies are explicitly excluded from permitted development rights in England. If you want to add a balcony or raised terrace to your home, you will almost certainly need to apply for planning permission.
Permitted Development Rules by Region
Permitted Development Rules — England
- ✓Balconies and raised platforms are explicitly excluded from permitted development rights under Class A and Class B of the GPDO.
- ✓Any extension or roof alteration that would include a balcony requires planning permission.
- ✓Juliet balconies (floor-to-ceiling doors with a railing but no platform) may not require planning permission in all cases.
Size & Position Limits (England)
| Requirement | Limit / Rule |
|---|---|
| Full balconies (with platform) | Planning permission required |
| Juliet balconies (no platform) | May be PD in some circumstances |
| Roof terraces | Planning permission required |
| Conservation areas | Additional restrictions apply |
When Do You Need Planning Permission?
Even if your project is usually permitted development, planning permission is required in these circumstances:
- ✗Any full balcony with a platform requires planning permission.
- ✗Roof terraces require planning permission.
- ✗Any balcony on a flat or maisonette requires planning permission (no PD rights).
What Happens If You Build Without Permission?
An unauthorised balcony can result in an enforcement notice. The council can require removal. Privacy impact on neighbours is a common reason for refusal.
Enforcement notices: Your council can issue an enforcement notice requiring you to stop the work, remove it, or restore the land to its original condition. You have a right of appeal against an enforcement notice.
Retrospective applications: If you have already carried out work that required planning permission, you can submit a retrospective planning application. If approved, this regularises the work. If refused, you may be required to remove it.
Time limits: For dwelling houses, the council generally has 4 years to take enforcement action for most types of work. For breaches of planning conditions, the time limit is 10 years. There is no time limit for listed building enforcement.