Planning help

[eastdulwichproperty]

I hear it is almost impossible to get planning permission for a balcony in East Dulwich.

We'd like to put in some bi-fold doors opening outwards on the raised ground floor, a Juliet balcony doesn't work since doors opening inwards would just get in the way. We had an existing 'platform' at the top of some steps which has now been demolished, this is about the same area as we would need for a strip balcony (about 2.4m by 0.8m). Perhaps we could argue we are just putting back what was there before albeit in a slightly different form?

Are there any planning experts out there that would be hopeful of getting this through? We would obviously pay a fee for the service.

Cheers

[KidKruger]

if the existing platform was there for some many years/part of the original structure there shouldn't be an issue replacing it.

[wellington]

Is it a house or flat? If it is a house it may be possible that it does not require planning permission and can be carried out under 'permitted development'.

[red devil]

Balconies/roof terraces are definitely not allowed under PD rights.

This 'platform' doesn't sound like an original feature. If it was you would've needed planning permission to remove it in the first place. If that's the case, be careful you don't draw attention to it's removal. I think it's more likely it was an adhoc structure someone added without permission. What proof do you now have that it existed? Even if you have proof, there's no way the planners would allow you to simply 'substitute' it for a balcony. Planners frown on balconies for a very good reason, loss of privacy for neighbouring properties. You would stand a better chance with a screened off roof terrace over a rear ground floor extension. Unless you can find a planning consultant that operates on a 'no win, no fee' basis, best to save your money...