Planning permission for enclosing balcony?

[ann_white]

Hello

Does anyone know if it's allowed to close balcony in a flat that is part of a council block of flats without planning permission if you are the leaseholder?

Thanks.

[Sally Eva]

Ask, is the safest way.

Also this feels like the sort of change you might need freeholder permission for. Look at your lease to know.

If you glass it in, suppose the glass falls out etc. Suppose the water runs off the building in a way it's not designed to do. The freeholder is responsible for the structure.

Is the balcony one of the fire exits from the flat -- could you still be rescued in a fire if it was enclosed etc

[womanofdulwich]

You definitely have to ask consent from the freeholder as a start.

[Blah Blah]

I would think that the balcony forms part of the external walls which the council are responsible for. If it is the balcony outside a front door, then you are definitely not allowed to even put a gate there, let alone enclose it. Southwark has clear rules on keeping those areas clear that apply to all tenants and leaseholders alike.