Latchford, Warrington, Cheshire.

 

Planning Application submitted and approved for a new "Juliet" balcony and re-roofing of the existing ground floor extension

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Introduction

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Following the applicants bad experience with their existing planning consultant they contacted En-Plan who after conducting a thorough Planning Appraisal drafted a scheme for a new Juliet Balcony that was subsequently submitted to Warrington Borough Council Planning Department.

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A "Juliet balcony," also known as a "Juliette balcony" or a "false balcony," is a small, ornamental balcony or railing that is typically located on the exterior of an upper floor of a building. It is not intended for outdoor access or to accommodate people standing on it but is designed more for aesthetic and safety purposes. Juliet balconies are named after the famous scene in William Shakespeare's play "Romeo and Juliet," where Juliet stands on her balcony, speaking to Romeo in the courtyard below. Juliet balconies are often added to buildings for architectural charm and to create the illusion of a real balcony without the need for additional outdoor space. They are typically quite narrow and are often seen on the facades of older European buildings, especially in cities like Paris. While they don't provide the same functionality as a full-sized outdoor balcony, they can enhance the appearance of a building and allow for more natural light and ventilation in the associated rooms.

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The property itself is a typical example of terraced house architecture in Warrington and largely reflects the town’s Victorian and early-20th-century industrial growth, when housing was built quickly for workers in the chemical, engineering, and transport industries. While there is variation across neighbourhoods, many terraces share common architectural features. These are the most common historic terraces in Warrington, particularly in areas such as Howley, Latchford (where the property is located), Fairfield, and Orford.

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Assessment of the Application

 

In assessing the submitted householder application the planners at Warrington Council had regard to 

the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) with Section 12 (Achieving well-designed places) and Section 15 (Conserving and enhancing the natural environment) being of particular relvanace. The Warrington Local Plan (2023) which was Adopted in December 2023 is the statutory development plan for Warrington and the primary policy framework used in decisions. Key policies commonly applied to extensions include:

ENV8 – Environmental and Amenity Protection and DC6 – Quality of Place. Finally there is the House Extensions Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) (2021) adopted in June 2021. This is the most important technical document specifically for residential extensions. Planners will aslo be goverened by Permitted Development Legislation as even if planning permission isn’t required, extensions are governed by ther Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015. If any proposal exceeds these limits, full planning permission is required and the council applies the Local Plan and Supplementary Planning Doccuments.

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When the Council went through the above plannig poicy there was nothing conatined within these that would preclude the proposed balcony and the council have been happy to approve the proposal with no amendments and the applicant was happy that she would have a new feature balcony element that would lighten up the rear bedroom and allow her to enjoy the later evening sun from  an elevated position.  The planning application was judged to be in accordance with adopted Plannig Policy and supplementary planning guidance on House Extensions. The development will prove a very cost effective way of achieving a real improvement in the quality of life of the owner and add value to the property for any prospective purchaser in the future. The Planning Application received approval in Septemer 2019.

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Do you always need Planning Permission for a Juliet Balcony?

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Whether you need planning permission for a Juliet balcony depends on the local building control codes and regulations in your area, as well as the specifics of your project. Planning permission requirements can vary widely by region and even within different municipalities or local authorities. It's essential to consult with your local planning department or authority to understand the specific regulations that apply to your situation.

In some cases, installing a Juliet balcony may not require planning permission if it is considered a permitted development or falls within specific guidelines for minor alterations to a building. However, in other instances, you may need planning permission, especially if your project involves significant structural changes or if it is located in a conservation area, a listed building, or another protected zone where additional rules and restrictions may apply.

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To ensure compliance with local regulations and to determine whether planning permission is required, it is advisable to consult with a local architect or planning consultant who can provide guidance based on the specific circumstances of your project and the local zoning and building codes. They can help you navigate the planning permission process and ensure that your Juliet balcony project meets all the necessary requirements.

Please refer to our General Permitted Development Projects Page for examples of development allowed under your rights as a householder.

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Do you need Building Regulations approval for a Juliet Balcony?

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In many cases, you will need building regulations approval for the installation of a Juliet balcony. Building regulations are put in place to ensure the safety and structural integrity of building alterations and additions, including balconies. The specific requirements for building regulations approval can vary by location, but they typically cover aspects such as structural stability, fire safety, and means of escape in case of emergencies and it is important to liaise with building controm for advice on balustrades and structral glass.

 

With regard to structural stability the balcony must be designed and constructed to withstand the required loads and forces, including wind loads and the weight of people and objects. Structural calculations and plans may need to be submitted for approval and the balcony must comply with Approved Document A. 

 

Building regulations often include requirements related to fire safety, such as fire-resistant materials and access to fire exits. Your balcony design must adhere to these requirements and provide a suitbale means of escape. Balconies may be considered as a means of escape in case of a fire or emergency, and as such, they must provide safe and accessible escape routes. Building regulations may specify the minimum width and height of openings and other safety features.The height and design of the railing or balustrade on the balcony are typically regulated to prevent falls and ensure safety in accordance with Approved Document B.

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It's also important to check with your glazing provider that they are FENSA approevd which  is a government authorised scheme that monitors building regulation compliance for replacement windows and doors.  They will provide an installation certificate whihc can then be given to building control.

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Further Information

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If you would like to find out more about how our Planning Consultancy and Architectural Design Services can work in perfect sync to achieve a successful outcome in the planning system please contact us and we will be only too happy to talk through any questions or development proposals you may have.

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